THEME 1 ESSAY

Theory can be defined into many different meanings depending on the approaches used
such as a research approach or methodology which refers to a conceptual framework that
guides the investigation, analysis, and interpretation of data. A theory can also be defined
as a systematic and coherent set of ideas, concepts and principles that explain and interpret
a particular aspect of reality, phenomenon, or behaviour; it provides a framework for
understanding, analysing and predicting the relationship between variables, and offers a
logical and evidence based explanations for why things happen the way they do.

The difference between a theory and an approach

A theory and an approach are two distinct concepts that serve different purposes, yet are
often interconnected in various fields of study and practice. As mentioned above a theory is
referred to as a scientific manner in which certain phenomena are explained, analysed and
predicted in reality and in this case it is referred to as the theories which can explain,
analyse and predict the true nature of the subject Public Management and Governance.
On the other hand an approach is a practical and concrete way of doing something,
outlining “how” to achieve a goal or solve a problem; It’s a method or strategy that can be
applied to put a theory into practice, making it more tangible and actionable. An approach
involves a set of techniques, procedures, and tools that help to operationalize a theory and
make it more accessible.
Five approaches which characterises the study of public administration and public
management BCCGP
The politics administration dichotomy approach which focuses on the duality between
politics and public management and governance. The business management approach
which applies private sector management techniques to public administration, emphasizing
efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction. The comprehensive approach is the
holistic framework for understanding and managing complex problems in public
administration. The conventional approach which refers to the traditional, established ways
of managing and governing public organisation. Lastly the generic administrative approach
which is the general framework for understanding and managing public administration and
it focuses on the commodities and shared characteristics of administrative systems across
different contexts.
Levels of theory SFGGPW
Substantive theory focuses on the content and substance of a particular field or
phenomenon and aims to provide detailed and comprehensive understanding of the subject
matter. Formal theory focuses on the underlying structures, processes, and relationships
that govern a system regardless of its specific content or context. Generalizing as a theory
focuses on the process of developing broad, abstract concepts or principles that apply
across various contexts, situations, or domains. Grand theory refers to the comprehensive
framework that attempts to explain a broad range of phenomena, often across multiple
disciplines or domains. Paradigm is a fundamental framework that shapes people’s
understanding, perception, and interpretation of reality. The last theory is the world view
which is a comprehensive framework that explains how individuals or groups perceive,
interpret and understand the world around them.

In conclusion a theory was defined and the different approaches that are usually used when
studying for the public administration and public management

THEME 2
The classical theory of public administration, emerging in the late 19 th and early 20th
centuries, laid the foundational principles for modern public administration. This theory
influenced by pioneers like Max weber, Henri Fayol and Frederick Taylor emphasized a
rational, efficient and hierarchical approach to managing government agencies. The early
theoretical foundations of public administration will be explained alongside the specific
reference to the contributions of Taylor’s scientific management, Fayol’s administrative
theory and weber’s theory of bureaucracy.
Main theorists during the development of public administration
The pre-generation: philosophical foundations laid the groundwork for the field’s core
principles. Influential thinkers like Plato, Aristotle and St. Augustine shaped the conceptual
framework of governance and administration, their ideas on justice, morality, leadership
and social hierarchy continue to resonate in modern public administration. The first
generation: the science of public administration founders comprising pioneers like ma
weber, henri Fayol, Fredrick Taylor and many more emerged in the late 19 th and early 20th
centuries. They sought to establish public administration as a distinct scientific discipline,
separate from politics, and developed foundational concepts that remain influential today,
Wilson advocated for a professional approach, while weber’s bureaucracy emphasized
efficiency and rationality, Taylor’s scientific management theory highlighted planning,
organising and controlling, gulick and urwick built upon these ideas, further solidifying the
scientific approach to public administration.
The second generation: comprehensive theory emerging in the mid-20th century, built upon
the foundations laid by the pioneers and made significant contributions to the field. Gulick
and urwick, key figures of this generation developed the POSDCORB model and
administrative management theory, respectively providing a framework for understanding
the functions and processes of public administration. The third generation:
politics/administration dichotomy questioned the idea that politics and administration are
separate. Thinkers like Long, Appleby, redford argued that administration is inherently
political and administrators play a crucial role in shaping policy, they showed that
administrators are not just neutral implementers but active participants in the political
process
The fourth generation: new public management emerging in the 1980s to 1990s introduced
the concept of new public management (npm) and this movement sought to reform public
administration by applying private sector management techniques, emphasizing efficiency,
productivity and customer satisfaction. The fifth generation: networked governance
emerging in the 2000s focuses on networked governance, recognising that public
administration is no longer confined to hierarchical bureaucracies. This generation
emphasizes collaboration, partnerships, and networks among government agencies, non-
profits, and private sector organisations
Theory of scientific management
Was developed by Fredrick taylor and aimed to improve industrial efficiency by applying
scientific principles to work processes. Taylor’s approach emphasizes standardization,
specialization, prediction and monitoring to optimize productivity, however critics argue
that this approach prioritizes productivity over work well-being potentially leading to
exploitation. Despite these limitations taylor’s theory has had a lasting impact on modern
management practices.
Administrative theory
Pioneered mainly by henri fayol (1841-1925) is a comprehensive framework that examines
the principles, processes and practices of public administration. It encompasses various
approaches, models and frameworks to understand administrative systems, it delves into
organisational behaviour and dynamics, decision making and policy implementation,
leadership and management, public bureaucracy and governance, administrative ethics and
accountability.
Theory of bureaucracy
Developed by max weber, it describes an ideal organisational structure that maximizes
efficiency, rationality and effectiveness. Characterized by a hierarchical structure, division of
labour, and standardized rules and regulations, bureaucracies aim to ensure consistency and
fairness through impersonal decision making. While bureaucracies offer benefits like
efficient resource use, rapid decision making they can also be inflexible ,resistant to change
with potential to abuse power.

It is clear that the foundastions of one’s discipline could be found in the classical theories of
scientific management, bureaucracy theory and administrative theory. Regarding the early
theoretical foundations of public administration each generation builds upon the previous
one, reflecting shifts in societal values, technological advances and new challenges in public
administration. Understanding these generations helps us appreciate the evolution of public
administration and its ongoing efforts to improve governance and serve citizens