Public administration has experienced a fundamental rethinking of its basic objectives, concepts and theories during the 21st century. This book explores the paradigm shifts in government operations, transitioning from the bureaucratic Old Public Administration to the network-based New Public Governance and the citizen-centric New Public Service. It denes the discipline, detailing its jurisdictional scope and examining whether Public Administration operates as an art, a science, or both. It also compares public sector management with private administration. The text examines how environmental factors (political, economic, and socio-cultural) impact administration. It traces the historical development of public administration across ve major phases. It highlights key milestones such as the politics administration dichotomy and the monumental contributions of behavioural scientists like Herbert A. Simon and Elton Mayo. This book explores contemporary administrative reforms and modern theories. It contrasts the business-like models of New Public Management with the broader goals of democratic administration, social equity, and the impact of a globalized world. This book examines transformations happening in global societies, the economy and in politics, to trace the trajectory of public administration as an academic discipline as well as being a focus of social science research. It presents a reassessment of governance in heterogeneous developing countries that goes beyond the traditional Weberian bureaucratic model, toward new models of organization and management, informed by their legal, constitutional, economic and political needs, aspirations and ground realities.
Dr. Arvind Kumar Rawat is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Administration at Siddhartha University. He is a resident of Lucknow. He was selected by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission and served in the Government of Uttar Pradesh for eight years. He also worked as a Project Fellow at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University under the UGC-DST-II Programme. Dr. Rawat served as an approved Academic Counsellor at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University (KMC Language University/KINOU). In 2025, he was appointed as a G-20 Ambassador under the University Connect Programme by the Higher Education Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh. At present, he is serving as In-charge Deputy Librarian and Academic Council Member at Siddhartha University. He is also Coordinator of IPDS and is actively involved in several university responsibilities, including Member of the Selection Committee, Research Advisory Committee, and other academic bodies. He was also appointed as Chief Buyer (Purchase Ofcer) of Siddhartha University. Dr. Rawat received a Certicate of Appreciation for his excellent contribution during the G-20 University Connect Programme. He has been actively engaged in academics and research for more than 20 years.
PREFACE 1. INTRODUCTION The Old Public Administration The New Public Governance The New Public Service The State of Administrative Theory In A Dynamic Environment 2. MEANING, NATURE AND SCOPE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION The Meaning of Public Administration Nature of Public Administration Scope of Public Administration Public and Private Administration Public Administration—Science or Art or Both 3. ECOLOGY OF ADMINISTRATION Ecological Approach: View of FW Riggs Public and Private Administration 4. EVOLUTION OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AS A DISCIPLINE 5. NEW PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT, GLOBALIZATION and PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION New Public Administration New Public Administration: An Evaluation New Public Management Globalization and Public Administration 6. PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATION Hierarchy and Unity of Command Hierarchy Unity of Command Span of Control Centralization and Decentralization Delegation of Authority Authority and Responsibility 7. SUPERVISION 8. COORDINATION 9. ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONTROL OVER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 10. CHIEF EXECUTIVE: MEANING, TYPES, FUNCTIONS AND ROLE 11. LINE, STAFF AND AUXILIARY AGENCIES Staff Agencies Bibliography Index