Oxford University Public Administration Concepts & Contemporary Practice HW

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Humanities

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The foundations of Public Administration (PA) examining theories and concepts that influenced the contemporary practice of PA. To demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the foundations of PA, research and analyze two PA concepts listed below that resonate with you by discussing the history of each, how each concept contributed to the field of PA, and the impact on PA practices today.

Prepare a 5 - 7 page paper that cites and references 4 or more academic sources such as your textbook, and articles from scholarly sources and adheres to APA standards. Using key terms and correct PA language, the content of the paper should include: .

  • Definition: Identify and describe two theories or concepts of PA reviewed in Foundations of Public Administration
  • Historical Context: Discuss the history and/or social context in which each theory or concept originated, the founder(s), and original applications to PA.
  • Contemporary Application: Discuss how each theory or concept is applied today in specific public agency or department
  • Contemporary Impact: Assess the impact of each theory or concept on PA practices today identifying strengths and any weakness

Listed are the 2 PA concepts required-

Legitimacy
• In PA, where power is derived from to do or execute is an important question.
• Legitimacy is both a moral and normative position in a given society. Public organizations must have legitimacy in order to execute its work.
• PA and Public Organizations are the coalescence of power and authority.
• Sources of legitimacy: Constitutions (written law), perception, professionalism, and legal standing (usually a form of written law or policy). How is legitimacy collected or built? This is a question of the public discourse, representativeness, public leadership and preserving foundations.

Effectiveness & Efficiency
• While PA is not for profit business, it is concerned with effectiveness & efficiency.
• Efficiency is getting at outcomes with least use of resources.
• Effectiveness is actually getting done what was indicated would get done.
• It is possible to be highly effective and not efficient; and the reverse is true to a degree.
• Public organizations are built on these foundations.

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Running head: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION CONCEPTS

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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION CONCEPTS

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Legitimacy
Legitimacy in political science refers to the widespread acceptance of authority that can
either be a regime or law. Legitimacy is also the "generalized perception or assumption that the
actions of an entity are desirable, proper, or appropriate within the socially constructed system of
norms, beliefs, and definitions." It cannot get possessed, instead, legitimacy reflects normative
support, cultural alignment, and abiding by relevant laws. In the public sector, it makes the
difference between an administration's capacity to implement policy and how the public expects
to get administered. In public administration, the government’s action through elected should be
about serving the public purpose. Also, the power of an administrative agency in regulating
public interest must get grounded in valid authority. It may also entail the constitution and
statutory grants. When no clear view concerning if an activity is allowed, assessment should
occur to check if the activity or policy falls within the authority of the law. Moreover, judicial
review informs and constrains the administrative process. Administrative legitimacy entails three
ideals: "rule of law, sound public policy, and democracy" (Arkush, 2012). An administration can
increase its legitimacy through increased attention to democratic ideals, and it can significantly
impact the citizens.
Historical
It is apparent that the source of legitimacy is the law. Also, the consent of governed
people, as well as the correct use of authority, has historically been the issues of discussion
concerning legitimacy. John Locke's “Second Treatise of Government” indicated that the people
give consent to the public offices. The government must govern using the established laws that
people know. America's public administration system is that which subordinates to democracy
and is responsive to public opinion. It has been challenging to balance efforts in reviewing and

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION CONCEPTS

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checking administration based on different quarters with a duty to comprehend and respond to
public opinion. Historically, an accepted assumption for legitimacy is that “a part stands for the
whole (Atkinson, 2017)." This assumption's role is normative in the stabilization of the public
sphere as well as its structures. Voting forms, the proxy for popular opinion and represents the
collective will of a whole population. This also raises issues as voting involves other people who
do not have similar opinions. Recently, various senses of legitimacy came up, including aspects
like proximity, compassion, pluralism, and impartiality. The changes represent coming to terms
with failings of classical legitimacy in achieving account of people's will. In public
administration, legitimacy is a c...


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