What are the key theories of public administration?

There are several key theories of public administration that have shaped the field and continue to influence the practice of public administration today. These theories provide frameworks for understanding the nature, purpose, and processes of public administration. Some of the key theories include:

1. Classical Theory: This theory, developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizes the principles of hierarchy, specialization, and efficiency. It views public administration as a science and advocates for a bureaucratic structure with clear roles, rules, and procedures.

2. New Public Management (NPM): Emerging in the 1980s, NPM emphasizes market-oriented approaches and private sector management techniques in the public sector. It focuses on performance measurement, accountability, decentralization, and customer orientation.

3. Public Choice Theory: This theory applies economic principles to public administration, emphasizing the rational behavior of individuals and groups in decision-making processes. It suggests that public officials and bureaucrats act in their self-interest and respond to incentives.

4. Systems Theory: This theory views public administration as a complex system composed of interrelated parts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions and relationships between different components of the system to achieve effective governance.

5. Governance Theory: This theory shifts the focus from traditional hierarchical structures to a broader perspective that includes multiple actors and networks involved in decision-making and policy implementation. It emphasizes collaboration, participation, and the role of civil society in public administration.

6. Public Value Theory: This theory emphasizes the creation of public value as the primary goal of public administration. It focuses on the outcomes and impacts of public policies and programs, considering the interests and needs of citizens.

7. Postmodern Theory: This theory challenges the traditional assumptions and approaches of public administration. It questions the idea of a single objective truth and emphasizes the importance of multiple perspectives, diversity, and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

These theories provide different lenses through which public administration can be understood and analyzed. While each theory has its strengths and limitations, they collectively contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of public administration practices.