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Herbert Simon Decision Making: Public Administration Video Lecture | Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes)

FAQs on Herbert Simon Decision Making: Public Administration Video Lecture - Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. Who is Herbert Simon and what is his contribution to decision-making in public administration?

Ans.Herbert Simon was an American economist, political scientist, and cognitive psychologist who made significant contributions to the field of decision-making, particularly in public administration. He introduced the concept of "bounded rationality," which suggests that while individuals aim to make rational decisions, their capacity to do so is limited by the information available, cognitive limitations, and time constraints. Simon's work emphasized the importance of understanding the decision-making process within organizations and how these processes can be improved for better governance.

2. What is the concept of 'bounded rationality' and how does it affect decision-making in public administration?

Ans.'Bounded rationality' is a concept introduced by Herbert Simon that describes the limitations of decision-making in human beings. It posits that individuals seek to make rational choices but are constrained by factors such as limited information, cognitive limitations, and time pressures. In public administration, this means that policymakers may not always make the optimal decisions due to these constraints, leading to the need for simplifying strategies, heuristics, or rules of thumb in decision-making processes.

3. How does Simon's decision-making model apply to public administration practices?

Ans.Simon's decision-making model is applicable to public administration as it emphasizes a systematic approach to decision-making. His model includes stages such as problem identification, generating alternatives, evaluating alternatives, and choosing a course of action. In practice, this means that public administrators can use this structured approach to analyze issues more effectively, consider various options, and make informed decisions that align with organizational objectives and public needs.

4. What are the implications of Herbert Simon's theories for modern public policy-making?

Ans.Herbert Simon's theories have significant implications for modern public policy-making. His ideas highlight the need for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. They suggest that policymakers should recognize their limitations and actively seek diverse perspectives and data to inform their decisions. Additionally, Simon's emphasis on iterative decision-making encourages adaptive policy frameworks that can evolve based on feedback and changing circumstances, making public policies more effective and responsive.

5. In what ways can public administrators improve their decision-making processes based on Simon's insights?

Ans.Public administrators can improve their decision-making processes by applying Simon's insights in several ways. First, they can foster a culture of collaboration to gather diverse viewpoints and information. Second, they should utilize data analytics and evidence-based approaches to enhance their understanding of issues. Third, adopting iterative processes that allow for adjustments based on results can lead to better outcomes. Finally, recognizing the limits of their rationality and employing heuristics judiciously can help them navigate complex decisions more effectively.

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Sep 29, 2025 Last updated

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	Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes) 58 videos\|242 docs

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