Introduction

Public Administration is one of the most dynamic disciplines of the social sciences. Since Woodrow Wilson’s landmark essay “The Study of Administration” (1887), the subject has undergone significant transformation—from a science of administration to a broader study of governance, policy, and public service delivery. Understanding its evolution helps UPSC aspirants connect theories with current administrative practices.

✅ Evolution of Public Administration

The growth of Public Administration can be studied through different phases/paradigms:

1. Politics–Administration Dichotomy (1887–1926)

Initiated by Woodrow Wilson and Frank Goodnow.
Administration separated from politics; focus on efficiency and neutrality.
Public Administration seen as a science of execution.

2. Principles Era (1927–1937)

Scholars like Luther Gulick, Lyndall Urwick emphasized POSDCORB (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting, Budgeting).
Attempt to find universal principles of administration.
Criticized later as “mechanical” and “one-size-fits-all.”

3. Era of Challenge (1938–1947)

Thinkers like Herbert Simon, Robert Dahl, Dwight Waldo challenged principles approach.
Emphasis shifted to human behavior, values, and politics in administration.

4. Behavioral Science Era (1950s–1970s)

Public Administration adopted insights from psychology, sociology, and organizational behavior.
Simon’s decision-making theory, Maslow’s hierarchy, Herzberg’s motivation theory gained importance.
Administration seen as decision-making and human relations.

5. Development Administration Era (1950s–1970s)

Focus shifted to developing countries after World War II.
Emphasis on nation-building, socio-economic development, planning, and public welfare.
Key scholars: Edward Weidner, F.W. Riggs (Prismatic–Sala model).

6. New Public Administration (NPA) (1968 onwards)

Emerged after Minnowbrook Conference (1968).
Stressed on relevance, values, social equity, and change.
Administration should serve the marginalized and disadvantaged groups.

7. Public Policy and Management (1980s–1990s)

Growing focus on policy sciences, management techniques, and performance evaluation.
New Public Management (NPM) introduced: efficiency, accountability, privatization, performance indicators.
Citizens treated as customers.

8. Governance and New Public Service (2000s–Present)

Shift towards good governance, e-governance, transparency, and accountability.
New Public Service (NPS) by Denhardt & Denhardt emphasized citizen-centric administration.
Integration of digital technology, participatory governance, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

✅ Present Status of Public Administration

Today, Public Administration is:

Multidisciplinary: draws from political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and management.
Global in Perspective: studies comparative administration and governance models.
Technology-driven: e-Governance, AI, digital governance, and data analytics.
Citizen-centric: focus on public value, participation, and inclusiveness.
Practical Relevance: essential for policy-making, service delivery, crisis management, and sustainable development.

📌 Conclusion

The discipline of Public Administration has evolved from mechanical principles to a human-centric, technology-enabled, and governance-oriented field. Its present status reflects a balance between efficiency, accountability, and democratic values—making it indispensable for both academics and practitioners.

Evolution of Public Administration and Its Present Status