SOALAN ESEI/ESSAY QUESTIONS (60 markah/marks)
Arahan/Instruction: Jawab SEMUA soalan/Answer ALL questions.
1. Explain briefly on comparative public administration as a field of study? In your
opinion, discuss TWO (2) benefits of understanding the operation of public
administration in other countries. Justify your answer with relevant examples.
(30 markah/marks)
Introduction
The comparison of public administration focuses on public administration as a field of study and
research of simple task execution. Haroon A. Khan defines comparative public administration as
an attempt to find patterns and order in behavior and acts of kindness to understand the operation
of public administration in other states of administration and to characterize it in present-day
nation-states.
The benefits of understanding the operations of public administration in other countries are very
interesting to observe as well as to increase the understanding of developments in the
administrative revolution. The question of why and how public administration finds a place in
this field of study. The pioneer in the field of comparative study of administration is Woodrow
Wilson in his study that The Study of Administration is a starting point in the United States and
in other countries such as India, Germany which has long been known for the influence of
Arthashashtra and Kameralwissenschaft. The second half of the twentieth century saw much
increase and internationalization of bureaucracy between European countries with reference to
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the Euro zone and also to all other countries in the world with transnational organizations such as
the World Bank, Interpol and the International Court of Justice.
These changes that took place after the 1960s were essentially administrative reforms
implemented by the legislature to make the administration more decentralized, accountable and
efficient. But, on the other hand, some reforms were made to give more control to bureaucratic
policymakers while avoiding all responsibilities. It is important to see how these two different
situations affect the administration as a whole in different countries. The best way to look at it is
through a scientific study of comparative public administration. It is also a method of identifying
best practices in public administration so as to achieve maximum results most effectively and
build robust organizational structures and processes.
The most common model used for comparative studies is to compare and contrast western and
non -western methods and styles. These models have created dualistic concepts such as specific
spread, specific universalism, etc. and tend to choose one end of the spectrum towards the other
end. But, this does not help in the study of development or how to improve the quality of life in
third world countries. Another and better method used is called description. It is more suitable for
cross -cultural analysis because it relies on the facts of the situation and captures very important
contextual aspects. But, it also cannot be used directly as a solution to problems faced by other
societies.
Clearly in the last decade there has been a very significant increase in CPA because the results
obtained through it are compelling. Many international organizations have come forward and
joined the CPA. For example, the international Public Management Network encompasses
individuals from many countries and they publish international public management journals to
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provide a forum to share ideas, concepts and research results and think of alternative approaches
to problem solving and decision making in the public sector.
Benefits Of Understanding The Operation Of Public Administration In Other Countries
By understanding the operation of public administration in other countries through comparisons
of public administration, I was able to understand the administrative structure and its functions in
various settings and associations or countries and what it does and why it works. In addition,
comparative studies also help in explaining the factors responsible for the similarities between
races and cultures as well as differences in administrative systems. Thus, comparative public
administration is a comparative study of various administrative systems, for which most scholarly
efforts are made in public administration. Through the comparison of public administration, a
clear understanding can be obtained when able to master the knowledge of management and
administration of an organization. Among them is to be able to understand the concept of Weber
-style public management which emphasizes that bureaucracy has been replaced with a
management pattern that is more sensitive to the needs of society. In addition, as a result of
learning about the comparison of public administration, I can also feel the change in work culture
is also becoming more significant where the culture of entrepreneurship and competition has
become the dominant culture in public administration, especially in developed countries. The
emphasis on the customer is also at the core of the public service goals as is the case in the
private sector. Organizational restructuring through downsizing of bureaucracy, delegation of
power, emphasis on quality of work, and the concept of 360 -degree appraisal has begun to be
practiced in the civil service, especially in Malaysia.
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2. Illuminate THREE (3) factors that may influence the administration of public sector
organisations in a particular country. You need to provide real examples to support
your answer.
(30 markah/marks)
Introduction
Many factors have contributed to a better understanding of the peculiarities of administrative
systems that operate in different races and cultures of a country in comparative studies of public
administration. Furthermore, these public-sector comparisons have aided in explaining the
similarities and contrasts between races and cultures in the public-sector management system. As
a result, there are three elements that can influence the administration of public-sector
organisations in a country, including:
Economical factor
Malaysia's transformation from an agrarian to a sophisticated industrial nation has been fast. This
is reflected in important development indices such as GDP growth, trade, and per capita income,
all of which have shown signs of improvement. Although Malaysia faced various global
challenges such as the economic crisis, it remained on track to achieve its goal of becoming a
high -income nation.
Malaysia has experienced rapid development from an agricultural country to a modern industrial
country. This is evidenced by driving the growth of key development indicators such as gross
domestic product (GDP), trade and per capita income. Although Malaysia faces a number of
global challenges, such as the 2008 economic crisis, it is still expected to achieve its goal of
becoming a tall nation.
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In this case, economic factors can influence the management of public sector organizations.
Through the introduction of the National Entrepreneurship Policy (DKN) it has become a guide
for the government to provide a holistic framework or ecosystem for the development of
entrepreneurship in Malaysia. Economic growth through the implementation of this policy will
form an entrepreneurial-minded Malaysian society which is the basis in making Malaysia a
superior entrepreneurial nation by 2030. The implementation of the six Strategic Thrusts by the
sectors involved is subject to the DKN to be a catalyst for inclusive economic and community
transformation. state entrepreneurship.
In this regard, the public sector under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development (MED) has been
entrusted to spearhead efforts to create a holistic, conducive and inclusive entrepreneurial
ecosystem to support the country's socio-economic development agenda. In line with that desire,
DKN has been designed with careful work, taking into account the aspirations and desires of
local entrepreneurs who have long been waiting for a specific policy for entrepreneurship
development.
So here it is clear that economic factors greatly influence the administration of the public sector
in Malaysia and become the catalyst for an inclusive economic revival. The implementation of
this government policy requires public administrators to strengthen cooperation and increase the
spirit of genuine entrepreneurship among the people, starting at the grassroots level until the
readiness to strengthen the authority to compete at the regional and international levels.
The field of entrepreneurship has the potential to contribute to the socio -economic development
and productivity of the country. A more equitable distribution of income will improve the
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standard and quality of life of Malaysians, thereby bringing social benefits to society. Sustainable
economic growth can be promoted through an innovative and creative entrepreneurial nation, as
well as through a new economy and a digital economy.
Economic development through the formulation of this policy will also address the issue of
transportation accessibility by the disabled and the rural population. Through strategic planning,
smart cooperation and commitment from all parties in implementing this government policy, it is
able to provide a sustainable transportation system that can drive economic growth and support
the well -being of Malaysians.
Political Factors
Political factors are also seen to influence the administration of organizations in the public sector
in a country. This is understandable when the administration of an organization in the public
sector is seen as a political channel to connect with the people. Organizational administration in
the public sector can also be used to reach out to civil society groups. As such, the public
administration system is an integrated component with the national political system. The two are
interconnected with each other and are inseparable.
It seems that there is no separation of powers between the administration and the legislative in
Malaysia, which has adopted this democratic system. This demonstrates that a member of the
executive branch who performs government functions (administration) is simultaneously
involved in legislation (politics) in the House of Representatives. When the two are combined
then it is known as a political and administrative model that has two different concepts but are
related to each other. In his book "The Political System," David Easton (1970) described the
political system of administration as the way values are authoritatively delivered throughout
society. Within and beyond the political system, a leader's political leadership moves in lockstep.
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Therefore in respect, Easton (1970) has stated that two factors influence the administrative
system of governance. The first is the internal atmosphere, which includes a democratic
economic government, such as social economic political administration, social structure, and
economic system. Looking at the political dimension of our country today, it turns out that it has
undergone changes and development in terms of economic, social and educational.
Meanwhile, administrative political leadership encompasses the field of administration and
political idealism that can ensure that a national leader implements his leadership style. Through
the concept of translation of political idealism, administration is able to bring about the
development of a country. Thus, as long as his leadership style can bring abundant peace and
prosperity to be enjoyed by the people even to the interior.
The political leadership of the administration embedded with a national ideology can strengthen
the national identity behind the different ethnic, religious and gender governance (Paridah, 2010.
Thus, one of the main slogans of the political leadership of the Abdullah administration is
"Excellent, Glorious and Distinguished" which is seen to have passion towards country vision
(National Institute of Public Administration, 2003).
Social Factors
Although there is a view that social policy and related programs need to be evaluated to
determine whether the implementation goals of the policy are achieved or not, but social factors
are also seen to influence the administration of organizations in the public sector in a country. In
implementing national development planning, the natural environment in the relationship
between policy implementers and target groups is as important as the content of the policy. The
impact of social policy in education, health and careers, often depends on the activities involved
among individuals and communities. Focusing on these relationships and interactions can
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increase the understanding of the impact of social policies among communities in Malaysia. The
main component in the implementation of this social policy is social welfare which is to meet the
social needs of the community, manage the social problems faced by the community and provide
opportunities for the community to strengthen their well-being. The selection of a typology or
social policy model that meets the needs of society will guarantee a better life.
Malaysia is seen to be more successful in managing economic growth by creating wider
opportunities among the middle class and being able to break out of the post -colonial trap. In
fact, Harold Crouch (in Drabble 2000) described “the rapid growth of the Malaysian economy
since independence has transformed the class structure. Significant changes are the rapid
development of urban middle class clusters and the reduction of the rural population. These
efforts have been driven by the New Economic Policy which reduces the income gap between the
races ”. By the end of the implementation of the new Economic Policy, poverty in Malaysia was
still high in rural areas. Farmers and rubber tappers are the main group below the poverty line. At
the same time the urban and rural differences are still significant where the urban population is
experiencing rapid economic development where the urban environment is developed with
business centers, tall buildings and the pulse of government administration. The rural poor are
assisted by children who migrate to the city and work in various industrial sectors in the city
(Drabble 2000). When the government chose to build roads and enhance collaboration in rural
areas, as well as encourage schools and connect marginalised groups through government-aided
schools, Malaysia's social development began to stand out.
Malaysia uses a social policy approach that includes social donations, institutions, redistribution,
critical and social development as options for the delivery of social policy to the community but
there is a combination of approaches adopted. Malaysia has adopted a redistribution of welfare
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approach where the social needs of individuals and families are met through employment,
combining human capital and economic capital as well as integrating social welfare with the
community to meet the needs of life. Nevertheless, in the implementation of these approaches,
the country is implementing a social development model that focuses on social investment and
economic investment. Social investment is an investment that can provide economic returns
while economic investment is economic growth that impacts the well -being of life thereby
creating socio -economic collaboration.
The Malaysian government has formed organizations at the highest level with the aim of
improving the welfare of society through participation in active economic activities. This is
shown by the fact that the government mobilizes the local community through various agencies.
The role of courses organized by public agencies is to help them change perceptions of life such
as improving living standards and awareness of children’s education. As social development
makes human beings the focus of change, it is found now, the target group has received formal
education even up to university. Due to having a good level of education, they can do jobs as
entrepreneurs who are willing to face various challenges. The impact on thinking is that they see
the activities of the association as important and need to be followed. Course programs in the
short and long term give them new input to build a positive perception of the life they are going
through.
Therefore, the implementation of social policy in Malaysia shows that the role of government in
the success of this policy is very dominant. This can be seen when the government has taken
great responsibility to implement social development programs in the community through various
government agencies and departments. Effective social policies can develop and enhance the
capabilities and capabilities of individuals, families, communities and nations in the context of
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social development, prevent social problems, rehabilitate victims of social unrest and provide
support services to non -governmental or voluntary organizations to achieve well -being. The
traditional concept of social welfare should be changed to empower the target group through
training services, skills programs and identity building through economic activities that can
generate their own income. The implementation of such responsibilities can alleviate the burden
borne by various agencies and institutions in turn creating an independent society at all levels of
society. The implementation of social policy in the future should take into account the possible
imbalances in many aspects that affect social divisions in the community.
References
Drabble, J. H. 2000. An Economic History of Malaysia. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire:
Macmilan Press Ltd.
Ministry of Transport Malaysia. (2019). [Link]
Osborne, D. & Gaebler, T. (1992). Reinventing government: How the entrepreneurial spirit is
transforming the public sector. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley Pub. Co.
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