EPAM UNIT 4

• Efforts to develop a theory for each discipline is a challenge
• Theory


  A model, not the Truth, a Rule, a Fact or a Final word
• Good theory


  Describes a large range of issues observed on a basis of few simple assumptions and predictions that can be tested
• In the social sciences, theory development is complex as Public Administration deals with human beings operating in a political milieu AND ever changing
• Theory


  A general statement about how some parts of the world fit together and how they work and or an explanation of how two or more facts are related to one another
• Theory


  A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena
• Theory


  A formal idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain something
• Characteristics of theory


  • Orientate knowledge regarding components of an action
  • Serves as a framework of reference for facts
  • Forecast future events based on generalisations
  • Transfer knowledge based on available general information
• Different aspects of theories

  • Descriptive
  • Prescriptive
  • Normative
  • Assumptive
  • Instrumental
• Ethical theories


  • Empirical
  • Rational
  • Revelation
• Proposition


  An expression of a judgement in words or a statement or an idea which people can consider or discuss to decide whether its true
• Phenomenon


  Anything which appears, and is therefore observed by the senses or a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen especially one whose cause or explanation is in question
• Approach


  A criteria employed in selecting the question to ask and the data to consider in trying finding an answer for a particular event/phenomenon
• Four approaches to the study of Public Administration

  • Historical approach
  • Formal-structural approach
  • Decision-making approach
  • Administration process approach
• The objective of the class is to identify the most significant theories/movements/ approaches developed underlying the study of Public Administration, describe the reasons why the scientific management theory is not acceptable in the study, define the bureaucratic approach and provide reasons why it is still being followed in most public institutions, and explain the 14 principles of the process (administrative) approach.
• Administrative and Management Theories


  • Process Theories
  • Equity theory
  • Expectancy theory of motivation
  • Reinforcement theory of motivation
  • Scientific Management Theory
• Scientific Management Theory

  • Greater efficiency
  • Continuous training
  • Financial incentives
• Scientific Management Theory

  • Overlook social issues associated with work
  • Ignores employees needs going beyond incentives
  • Ignore employees suggestion about methods of work
• Bureaucratic Approach


  Goal is to ensure fairness, consistency, and efficiency
• Principles of a bureaucratic approach


  • Red tape/Rule is a rule
  • Inefficiency & incompetence
  • Hierarchy/slow decision process – clear levels of authority
  • Lack of communication between units
  • Low employee morale – alienation
  • Specialisation
• Fayol's 14 principles of management

  • Division of work
  • Authority and Responsibility
  • Discipline
  • Unity of Command
  • Unity of Direction
  • Subordinate of individual interest to general interest
  • Remuneration
  • Centralization
  • Scalar Chain
  • Order
  • Equity
  • Stability of tenure
  • Initiative
  • Espirit De corps
• Human relations movement (HRM)

  Recognise the importance of employees, reconsider Taylor's one best way method, focus on employees' behaviour and relations, importance of supervisor and employee relationship
• Mayo Hawthorne Experiment


  • Conducted Hawthorne experiment/study, concluded that giving employee attention, management involvement, better communication and team work improve productivity
• Herzberg Two-Factor Theory of Motivation


  • Motivation factors (factors that motivate people to work hard), Hygiene factors (factors that de-motivate people when not present), Poor hygiene factors decrease employee job satisfaction, Motivation factors increase employee job satisfaction
• Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Theory


  • Explained through five hierarchy/levels of needs, Unsatisfied needs motivate employees to behave in a particular way, Satisfied needs create a need to satisfy the next level of unsatisfied needs in the hierarchy, Good relations between supervisor/employee instrumental to achieving organisational goals
• McGregor Theory X & Theory Y

  • Theory X - Employees are lazy, hate work, don't enjoy their work, prefer to be told what to do, have to be forced to work, don't have interest in the organization and selfish, Theory Y - Employees always want to work, like their work, enjoy their work as it is natural, accept responsibility when given opportunity, push themselves to work, commit to objectives if beneficial to them
• Herzberg Two-Factor Theory of Motivation


  Managers should provide reasonable and relevant salaries, working conditions and policies to eliminate dissatisfactions, provide opportunities for growth, achievement and responsibility to motivate employees, consider job structuring or job enrichment to contribute to worker's motivation
• Disadvantages/Limitations of the human relations movement