Understanding Systems Theory in Public Administration

POLI 213 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Lecturer: Dr. Emmanuel Debrah, Contact Information: edebrah@ug.edu.gh College of Education School of Continuing and Distance Education 2014/2015 2016/2017

Theories of Administration (part 2) Session 6 College of Education School of Continuing and Distance Education 2014/2015 2016/2017

Session overview We are still on the approaches that have enhanced our understanding of administrative behaviour. Public administration functions as a system. It has been observed that the production and delivery of public goods are largely determined by public officials decisions and prescriptions that, in turn, are shaped by their personal likes and dislikes. Slide 3

Session outline The topics to be examined in this session include: Topic one: System s Approach Topic two: Public-Choice Theory Slide 4

Systems Theory Topic one College of Education School of Continuing and Distance Education 2014/2015 2016/2017

Definition of System Robert Dahl defined it as collection of elements that interact in some way with one another Nicolas Henry also defined it as the working together of components and their relationships. Others defined it as a set of assemblage of interconnected, interdependent things that form a complex whole. Slide 6

Elements of the system theory The system theory focuses specific attention on the organization as a unit (system) as well as its components. In addition, the systems theory regards administrative organizations as comprising three elements, inputs, outputs and feedback. Inputs- the human and material resources, support for the organization or government agency (in terms of its policies and programmes. Slide 7

Elements of the system theory According to Easton, organizations transform the input into products and services called outputs by the aid of internal social and technological processes. He also mentioned the environment of the organization from which it obtains its performance information called feedback. Feedback is important because it helps keep the organization on course with regards to goals, and also evaluate its performance. Slide 8

Easton Systems Model Slide 9

Merits and criticisms of the system theory merits it emphasizes the way in which organized systems respond in an adaptive way to cope with changes in their external environments. It emphasizes interaction with "outside" actors and organizations and concentrate criticisms It does not say much about the procedures and processes by which decisions are made. Slide 10

SAMPLE QUESTIONS (i) Attempt a sketch showing the process by which a public policy is made in Ghana. (ii). Indicate whether the process you have described reflect David Easton s systems model? Slide 11

references Dye, T. (2008). Understanding Public Policy 12th edn. Englewood Cliffs: New Jersey. Easton, D. (1965). A Framework for Political Analysis. Englewood Cliffs, Prentice-Hall, NJ. Slide 12

Public Choice Theory Topic two College of Education School of Continuing and Distance Education 2014/2015 2016/2017

Meaning of Public Choice it deploys some behavioural assumptions of economics to explain political phenomenon. It focuses on how public goods and services can best be allocated to society. it assumes that all actors (voters, taxpayers, interest groups, civil servants, political parties and governments) seek to maximize their personal benefits in politics as in the marketplace. Slide 14

Features of Public Choice It regards the individual as capable of making rational decisions about socio-economic & political needs. that actions of governments should be consistent with the values and interests of citizens. public bureaucracy is evil because it seeks its own selfish interest at the expense of public good. democratic decentralization system of administration is the most viable means of achieving citizens interest. Slide 15

Importance of Public Choice theory It focuses on the individual citizen and makes his interest supreme within the organization. This system allows clients interests to be considered in the production and distribution of goods and services. The emphasis on decentralization is also critical because it allows authority and power to shift from managers to subordinates. It highlights the importance of competition as a means of encouraging individuals choices. Slide 16

Importance of the Public Choice It is viewed as an appropriate theory of political organizations because it advocates political approach to public administration by locating the discipline within the domain of politics. It introduced the concept of democratic administration into public administration studies. It also draws attention to the need for grassroots empowerment and participation in public administration. Slide 17

Criticisms against Public Choice theory It conceives public administration in terms of economic perspective. This orientation tends to make economic power superior over political or electoral power. the theory may be applicable in the resource-affluent environment, than in developing societies where increasingly scarce resource is a reality. it failed to explain human actions that are motivated by non-rational or non-economic considerations. Slide 18

Sample Questions To what extent does the public choice theory enhance our understanding of the behaviour of public officials in Ghana. Discuss the salient features of the public choice theory. Slide 19

References Dye, T. (2008). Understanding Public Policy 12th edn. Englewood Cliffs: New Jersey. Ostrom, V. (1973). The Intellectual Crisis in American Public Administration. Slide 20