Edgar Norman Gladden: “Public Administration is concerned with the
administration of the government.
The Edgar Norman Gladden was a British scholar known for his contributions to
the field of Public Administration, particularly in understanding the machinery of
government and the structure and functions of administration. His works often
focused on administrative organization, civil service systems, and the nature of
bureaucracy.
One of his notable works is
“The Essential of Public Administration” - where he discussed administrative
principles and practices in the context of British and comparative systems.
Analysis of the Definition
This is a broad and institutional definition. It links Public Administration directly
with the government’s administrative machinery.
Components of the Definition
Component Explanation
1. “Public Administration” Refers to the field or discipline dealing with
governance and execution of public policy.
2. “Is concerned with” Indicates focus or area of interest – not just
what it is, but what it deals with.
3. “the administration” Points to management, coordination,
organization, and execution of government
functions.
4. “of the government” Clearly ties PA to the executive function of the
State or Governmental institutions.
Meaning and Interpretation
Public Administration is not a generic management function; it is specific to
public/governmental contexts.
It includes planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating,
reporting, and budgeting (POSDCORB) for government functions.
It reflects authority, accountability, and service to the public.
Merits of Gladden’s definition
Broad Scope: Includes all administrative activities under the government.
Emphasizes governmental control and Public interest.
Acknowledges the state as the key actor in administration.
Limitations
Does not include the growing role of non-state actors (NGOs, PPPs,
citizens) in public administration.
Too institutional, may miss the dynamic and participatory aspects of
modern governance (e.g., e-governance, civil society)
Conclusion
Edgar Norman Gladden’s definition of Public Administration provides a
foundational, government-centric view, emphasizing that public administration is
the means by which governments operate and deliver services. While it remains
relevant for understanding traditional administrative structures, modern
approaches require a broader, more inclusive perspective involving governance,
decentralization, and citizen participation.
Herbert Walker: “The work which the government does to give effect to a law is
called Public Administration.”
Analysis of the Definition:
This is a functional definition focusing on action – what government does – not
what it is.
Components of the Definition
Component Explanation
1. “The Work” Refers to activities, operations,
processes, and efforts of administrative
machinery.
2. “Which the government does” Indicates that public administration is a
state-driven or governmental activity.
3. “the give effect” Means implementing or executing. This
refers to putting plans, policies, and
laws into action.
4. “to a law” Shows that Public Administration
operates within the legal framework,
ensuring that the will of the legislature
is carried out.
Implied Meaning
Public Administration is not law-making; it is law-executing.
It includes enforcement, service delivery, regulation, and public welfare.
It emphasizes the executive arm of government.
Broader Interpretation
Although Walker limits Public Administration to giving effect to laws, modern
scholars consider it to include:
Policy formulation & implementation
Public service delivery
Development administration
Administrative ethics & accountability
Merits of Walker’s definition
Clear and concise.
Emphasizes the practical side of governance.
Shows the link between law and administration.
Limitations
Too narrow: It excludes policy-making, planning, advisory functions, and
interaction with civil society.
Focuses only on formal legal framework, ignoring informal practices,
values, and citizen participation.
Conclusion
H. Walker’s definition captures the core function of Public Administration as the
implementation of laws by the government, but in today’s complex democratic
and developmental states, public administration includes a wider range of
activities beyond just law enforcement – it involves planning, coordination,
public engagement, and service delivery in alignment with constitutional values
and social justice.
