Evolution of Public Administration

Wilson

Wilson’s Article published in 1887 is considered to be an important landmark for the beginning of public administration as a discipline. Wilson’s vision on administration about the need for a separate discipline to study government in action gave an impetus to public administration. But, it is not the Wilson’s article content rather it is the impact of his article because of which the Wilson is considered to be the father of public administration. But, Wilson’s article cannot be considered as the first serious and systematic study of government in action. Prior to Wilson, there were a number of events and structures which undertook a serious study on government in action. The literature relating to the state and the statecraft existed prior to Wilson. Some of the examples are Ramayana, Mahabharata, Austrian and German Scholars (Cameralists), Confucius etc. Also, there were some French scholars (Bonin, Viven etc.) as well in this regard.

Factors responsible for the emergence of Public Administration in the Context of America

1.      Industrialization- Industrialization was responsible for increasing the size and complexity of the organizations and activities. The organizations grew in size, thereby; no more they could be dealt with an ad hoc amateurish approach.

2.      Rise of the Welfare State- Because of the rise of the Welfare State, the state grow very big. Thus, a systematic approach was required to study the government.

3.      Scientific Management Thought- This provided a background for the emergence of public administration. Science of Management was emphasized which made a point towards managing the government in action in a systematic manner.

4.      A consequence of SPOILS System- SPOILS System was a corrupt and an inefficient system. This also gave rise to the study of government in action.