Classical Theory | Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The categorization of public administration as either a Science or an Art has been a topic of numerous discussions and arguments. In our previous discussions, we encountered authors and social scientists who passionately advocated that public administration is indeed a science. Two notable proponents of this theory were Luther Gulick and Lyndall Urwick, hailing from distant lands—Gulick from Japan and Urwick from Britain.

Luther Gulick: A Visionary Administrator

Luther Gulick, a distinguished figure in the field of public administration, completed his studies at Columbia University. He served on the National Defense Council during the First World War and later became the administrator of New York City from 1954 to 1956. Gulick's tenure also included his role as the president of the Institute of Public Administration, New York, from 1962 to 1982. He authored several influential books, such as "Administrative Reflections of World War II," "Metropolitan Problems and American Ideas," "Modern Management of the City of New York," and "Papers on the Science of Administration."

Lyndall Urwick: The Management Pioneer

Lyndall Urwick, a product of Oxford University, also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the British army during the First World War. Urwick's contributions extended beyond academia, as he worked as an editor for several papers on the science of administration. He played a pivotal role in introducing management education in the UK and was a renowned industrial consultant. Urwick authored notable books like "The Management of Tomorrow: The Making of Scientific Management," "Leadership in XX Century Organizations," and "The Patterns of Management." He edited Gulick's seminal work, "Papers on the Science of Administration," which further solidified their bond.

The Classical Theory of Management

Gulick and Urwick drew inspiration from the works of Fayol and Taylor, who emphasized the machine model of man. Combining their military and industrial backgrounds with these influences, they proposed the Classical Theory of Management or the Administrative Management Theory. This theory projected public administration as a science that could be developed through empirical observation, systematic findings, and recordings over time. A key aspect highlighted by both authors was the significance of organizational structure.

Gulick's 10 Principles of Organizational Structure

Gulick identified ten principles that could guide the design of an effective organizational structure:

1. Division of labor or specialization
2. Departmental organization
3. Hierarchical coordination
4. Deliberate coordination
5. Creating coordination committees
6. Decentralization
7. Unity of command
8. Staff and line
9. Delegation
10. Span of control

The principle of span of control, in particular, stimulated further discussions on leadership. According to Gulick, executives should have a limited number of direct reports to enhance their efficiency.

Urwick's 8 Principles of Organization

Urwick proposed eight principles upon which an organization could effectively function, including:

• Objective of the organization
• Authority and responsibility
• Span of control
• Coordination
• Definition principle
• And other relevant principles

These principles laid the groundwork for understanding and optimizing organizational processes.

Gulick's POSDCORB: The Executive Functions

An integral part of Gulick's contributions to public administration is the concept of POSDCORB, representing various executive functions:

• P - Planning
• O - Organizing
• S - Staffing
• D - Directing
• CO - Coordination
• R - Reporting
• B - Budgeting

These terms have become familiar and indispensable to management students, as they encompass essential aspects of effective administration.

Conclusion

The Human Relations Theory of Public Administration, championed by thinkers like Luther Gulick and Lyndall Urwick, has contributed significantly to our understanding of effective organizational management. Their belief in public administration as a science, influenced by Fayol and Taylor's ideas of the machine model of man, laid the foundation for the Classical Theory of Management or the Administrative Management Theory.

• Gulick and Urwick emphasized the importance of organizational structure, with Gulick proposing ten principles and Urwick offering eight principles to guide its design. These principles highlighted the significance of division of labor, coordination, decentralization, and effective leadership through the concept of span of control.
• Furthermore, Gulick's concept of POSDCORB encapsulated the essential executive functions that are integral to successful public administration. The terms, such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordination, reporting, and budgeting, have become ubiquitous in the field of management.
• The Human Relations Theory offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of public administration and highlights the interplay between various disciplines in shaping administrative practices. By examining the influences from different streams, we gain valuable insights into the evolution and progression of public administration as a science.