In this post, we are going to highlight and discuss 10 characteristics of public administration. These 10 characteristics state that public administration is inherently political. it is also concerned with the public interest. public administration operates within a legal framework is often characterized by bureaucracy and is in essence accountable to the public. public administration also seeks to involve the public in decision-making processes and strives to be efficient in its use of resources. public administration must also be flexible as well as service-oriented and lastly, public administration requires a high level of professionalism and expertise.
Characteristics of Public Administration
1. public administration is inherently political- Public administration centers on the implementation of the government’s policies and decisions. Such policies and decision-making processes are largely vested in elected officers, who work under the umbrella of a democratic order. Public administrators carry out these policies and decisions that could at times involve choices with political connotations. In this regard, for instance, a public administrator who is supposed to implement a specific government program may be required to determine where and how to use the available resources, as well as the types of policies that will affect many stakeholders. these have political considerations that include politicians’ thoughts, public opinions, and the pressure of the interest group. furthermore, most public administrations operate in politically complex environments where competing forces including interest groups, competing demands, and legal and ethical frameworks play out. moreover, politics does not only influence public administration but also affects politics. public administrators can influence the political terrain through information/Analysis provision; policy advocacy, and program implementation which affects public opinion. thus, public administration is naturally politicized as it relates to the political system that influences how powers are allocated and distributed among citizens in a particular state.
2. public interest is also a matter of concern to Public administration.- This is because public administration is for providing public services and managing public resources. Public Services are Education, Healthcare, Public Safety, Transportation, and Social Services. these services are of utmost importance for the health and Welfare of citizens and usually, such provisions are carried out by government structures, organizations, and departments. public administrators should ensure that these services are provided smoothly, efficiently, adequately as well and fairly. they have to provide for different groups and interests such that they use public resources in a manner that promotes public interest. this emphasizes the need to consider the impact that policies and programs will have in the long run as well as the current needs of the community. public administration is concerned with the public interest in general because it is required to offer relevant public services and manage public resources. public administrators should balance the opposing interests and demands in order to allocate the limited public resources for the greatest benefit to the majority of people. Additionally, administrators must be transparent and accountable to the society to ensure that their decisions are justified by the demands of the society.
3. public administration is also Service-oriented- The primary goal is to provide services that meet the needs and expectations of the public. service orientation in public administration is based on the recognition that the government exists to serve the public and that public services must be delivered in a customer-centric manner. Public administration that is service-oriented contains many key features, some of which are listed below:
●understanding and meeting the needs of its customers and the public.
● delivering services that are efficient effective and of high quality.
The public administration is dedicated to ensuring that its services are accessible, to all members of the community regardless of their status, geographical location, or physical abilities. Furthermore, the public administration is committed to being accountable to its stakeholders for delivering high-quality services. Secondly, it seeks to enhance these services so that they can match the growing demands of the different stakeholders. In administration, an approach based on service orientation is essential and this is because the best way to ensure good public administration, which meets the needs and expectations of the people and trust, and faith, in the leaders, is a good public administration, which meets the needs and expectations.
4. public administration is Guided by law.
A legal framework consists of various related laws, regulations, and policies. This outline specifies what public administrators should be doing in order to properly execute their duty. Public administrators need to comply with both the substantive and procedural rules within the legal framework. Public administrators should also be aware of the legal and ethical principles governing their role within the public sector. These standards include things like
●conflict of interest rules
●anti-discrimination laws and
other rules to make sure that public administrators work for the public good.
Administrators must abide by numerous guidelines and standards, so as to guarantee that their conduct is clear, accountable, and legal.
5. The bureaucratic nature of Public administration.
It is a bureaucratic structure that is characterized by a hierarchy and the standardization of roles within the organization. There is a clearly defined chain of command in this case, which provides for an orderly allocation of responsibilities, indicating who should take what actions, and specifies what actions should be taken by those responsible for those actions. bureaucracy also minimizes confusion so that actions will be done in a uniform, reliable way. these bureaucratic procedures also contribute to making decisions transparently with public participation. while bureaucracy might have advantages, there are some disadvantages as well.
Public administrators should weigh the usefulness and the disadvantages to which bureaucracy could help the agency to be managed efficiently.
6. Public administration is Accountable to the public
This happens because it is tax-funded and provides public policy. One way of promoting accountability is through having public administration mechanisms and practices such as; transparent, responsive, and responsible management of public resources.
The major means through which public administration maintains transparency and accountability to the public are as follows.
●promoting transparency
●public participation
●independent oversight
●performance measurement
●ethics and integrity and
●legal compliance
These practices help to ensure that public resources are being used effectively and efficiently and that public administrators are held responsible for their actions and decisions. Public administration aims to consult the public when making decisions. This can take place using several means of engagement that will offer avenues from which the public can raise its voice.
●public hearings
● consultation
● surveys and polls
Town halls, parliamentary constituency meetings, open house.
● social media and
● citizen advisory committees.
7. Public administration should be efficient in the utilization of Public resources.
This entails maximizing the use of time, funds, and people in a manner that promotes cost-effectiveness and efficiency by adopting different cost-effective approaches and practices. These could include
●performance measurement tools
● cost-benefit analysis
●a lean management structure
●Process Improvement
●Automation and Technology
● proper human resource management.
Such approaches help to make public administration as productive as possible and in the most economical way with a view to preserving resources. public administration can make the effect of public services and programs more efficient and taxpayers will get what they paid for.
8. Public administration is aimed at public participation in Decision-making processes.
This involvement may occur through several mechanisms that provide opportunities for public input and feedback such as the following-
●performance measurement tools
● cost-benefit analysis
●a lean management structure
●Process Improvement
●Automation and Technology
● proper human resource management.
such approaches are important for efficient resource use in public management and sustainable use of resources.
9. Public administration should also be Flexible.
Public administration should be adaptable to changing circumstances including:
●changes in the environment
● technological advancements
●changes in demographics
●Changes in the social and economic conditions.
●Changes in political priorities and the political environment.
Public administration is flexible and can adjust the policies, programs, and practices to address new challenges and emerging issues. this necessitates an openness to adopting new methods, learning from past mistakes, and continued improvement of its operational performance and services. for instance, in the case of the Covid-19 pandemic. public administration had to show flexibility and react to the changes, like
●transitioning to remote work
●implementing social distancing protocols and
● Offer emergency aid to businesses and individuals struck by the pandemic
Flexibility also includes the capacity of public administration to cooperate and interact with other governmental levels, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. this partnership will enable public administration to be effective and address these emerging problems. flexibility is one of the most important characteristics of public administration. For public administration to be relevant today, it must respond to new challenges and opportunities and continually improve its operations and services to meet the needs of the public.
10. Public administration requires Great experience.
Effective use of public resources, and quality Public Services, will be ensured through a professional public administration. Hence, public administrators should have sufficient knowledge, skills, and competencies in order to execute their roles effectively as their decisions influence the lives of citizens and the well-being of society. professionalism in public administration also means observing ethical standards and morality in the performance of their duties and responsibilities. public administrators hence should show high integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of their work. they should also ensure that they maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information and avoid any conflict of interest that could compromise their objectivity and impartiality. public administration must be characterized by overall professionalism and expertise because public administrators, among others, need expertise to adequately administer public resources and deliver quality public service meeting the needs of the public. it promotes public confidence in the government and ensures that government services are delivered without any inconveniences or delays.
CONCLUSION
in conclusion, when applied correctly these characteristics can positively Advance each aspect of the public sector including improving public sector, education the implementation of roads and transport even in remote areas, Better Health Care, improved Community Development a trusted and well-resourced law enforcement, as well as an improvement in international relations policy, development technology, advancement and fighting corruption and the impact of global warming.
These characteristics, when properly balanced, allow public administration bodies to translate laws and policies into tangible programs and services. Public administrators carry out duties that impact people’s lives each day – from maintaining public safety, infrastructure, and parks to supporting education, health services, social welfare, and more. While critiques of bureaucracy exist, these defining features aim to ensure governance is both efficient and representative of citizens’ interests.
Understanding key traits like bureaucratic hierarchy, impartiality, accountability, and others provides insight into how and why public administrators operate as they do. This knowledge is invaluable for policymakers, civil servants, citizens, and anyone engaged in the workings of government and public services. Though no system is perfect, appreciating the intended roles and ethical obligations instilled in public administration is important for strengthening the social contract and governance for all.