Introduction
One of America’s greatest Presidents, Woodrow Wilson gave his views about public administration in an article titled ‘The Study of Administration” in the Political Science Quarterly journal published in 1887. Wilson recognized the need for an effective and efficient public administration system in the society and in this article; he presents a revolutionary argument for a purely professional centralized administration in the US. Wilson introduces a new public administration system that is distinct from politics. He advocates for a new type of bureaucracy that governs independently from the government’s elected branches. This trained bureaucracy has the power and mandate to oppose popular opinion in situations that it deems necessary. Wilson faith in such a public administration system emanates from his deep distrust of the republican self government. He states that democracy has wisened hundreds of people and form these wise hundreds, some can be recruited to form a public bureau of a skilled and economical public administration.
Wilson’s proposed public administration system is just one of the many that could bring about radical public policy transformation. As stated earlier, the need for an effective administration system in the society cannot be overemphasized. If the systems of public administration in a certain society are not effective, there are bound to be a lot of negative consequences.
The Blast in Centralia No.5 by John Bartlow Martin brings into light various failures in public administration. This case study is based on a deadly mine explosion that took place in 1947 in a small Illinois town known as Centralia. Inspections on the coal mine by safety professionals from the public sector had revealed several hazards that needed to be corrected, but the letters to various state officials had fallen on deaf ears and no action was taken to rectify the hazards. The mine’s union officers had also tried to press state officials and federal agencies to take action but none was taken. Explosions rocked the coal mine on March 25, 1947 and 111 lives were lost. This case study highlights one of the basic concepts of public administration. This is that public safety in the society is entirely dependent on the proper functioning of its public administration systems and the Centralia no.5 is an exhibition public administration system at its worst. In fact, there are four elements of an ineffective public administration system that are exhibited in this case study. These are corruption, miscommunication or faulty communication, bad response time and irresponsibility. The public administration in this case displays all of these negative traits. 111 lives were lost because the public officials in the state’s public administration took no regard to the public safety of the individuals who depended on the system to enforce the various regulations that had been formulated to ensure their protection.
With all these aspects in mind, it becomes very clear to see why a strong and effective administration system that enforces the regulations and policies enacted to protect individuals is needed in every society. The importance and justification of a strong and effective public administration system is essentially underscored by the fact that the programs and policies of government may not actually be realized without a strong and effective administration. If the administrative machinery fails to function properly, the best laws and policies of the land remain as mere declarations of intent on paper. A strong and effective public administration system helps to correct errors, avoid waste, and limit incompetence consequences and at the same time execute the land’s laws and public policies. In addition, a public administration provides continuity in government especially when there is a change in power or rulers. It protects people lives and property by enforcing the state’s laws against violators. This is in fact the primary responsibility charged to public administration.
There is no official “text book” public administration system. However, Wilson’s type of public administration system could actually work if enacted. This is because the main thing that ails most public administration systems is the fact that the systems are usually enjoined with politics and political systems. If the two vices are separated, then it is possible for the administration system to be stronger and effective. I would personally recommend for the implementation of such a system. It is however important to note that the definition of a “strong and effective administration system” may vary from place to the next since what works in one place may not necessarily work in another.
References
Stillman, R. J. (2005). Public administration: Concepts and cases. Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin.
