Introduction
The field of public administration has constantly evolved. In the middle of the twentieth century, sociologists and theorists of public administration focused on imperfections of the government. They also looked into the role of individuals within the system. Some of the most influential theorists of that period were Robert K. Merton, V.O. Key, Jr., and A.H. Maslow.
Major Theorists
Thus, Robert K. Merton concentrated on the imperfections of bureaucratic structures. The theorist claimed that bureaucracy was associated with a variety of downsides (Shafritz & Hyde, 2012). The theorist admitted that this structure could be helpful at the beginning of the twentieth century, but he also stressed that it became outdated (Cox et al., 2010). The society is constantly developing and bureaucratic structure (quite often) does not meet the new requirements.
The researcher also noted that bureaucracies were associated with certain conventions and methodologies aimed at training newcomers to fit in the system (Shafritz & Hyde, 2012). Remarkably, the theorist’s ideas had a considerable impact on the development of public administration. The theorist unveiled major issues concerning the bureaucratic system. Admittedly, when problems are identified, it is easy to come up with effective solutions.
V.O. Key also considered issues related to imperfections of public administration. However, the theorist was more concerned with economic issues. Key considered imperfections (or rather absence) of budgeting and the theory of budgeting (Shafritz & Hyde, 2012). The researcher noted that administration was just like any other organization so it had to develop certain budgeting strategies.
The theorist also claimed that administration was functioning ineffectively due to the lack of proper budgeting (Shafritz & Hyde, 2012). Notably, Key emphasized that development of the theory of budgeting could help solve numerous issues and make administration more efficient (Shafritz & Hyde, 2012).
According to the theorist, proper analysis and assessment of projects helps allocate funds properly (Shafritz & Hyde, 2012). Such ideas were valuable for the development of the field of public administration as researchers acknowledged the need to focus on economic issues (e.g. budgeting).
As has been mentioned above, imperfections of the system were not the only topic of discussion. The role of individuals within the system was one of the most disputable at that period. A.H. Maslow was one of the most influential theorists in this respect.
His hierarchy of needs has become one of the milestones in numerous fields. He also contributed greatly to the development of public administration. Maslow stressed that public administration was an organization where individuals cooperated (Shafritz & Hyde, 2012).
The theorist also noted that it was crucial to take into account people’s needs to make employees cooperate effectively. Of course, many theorists revealed the importance of considering the role of individuals within the system. However, it was Maslow who provided a specific method to help individuals cooperate efficiently. Maslow’s contribution can hardly be overestimated as he outlined some of the major concepts within the area of interpersonal relationships within the system.
Conclusion
To sum up, Robert K. Merton, V.O. Key, Jr., and A.H. Maslow contributed greatly to the development of public administration. The three theorists concentrated on three different aspects of the theory. Thus, these theorists considered issues concerning bureaucratic system, theory of budgeting and individuals’ needs within the system. They revealed major imperfections of the system. They also suggested their ways to address the existing imperfections.
Reference List
Cox, R.W., Buck, S.J., & Morgan, B.N. (2010). Public administration in theory and practice. New York, NY: Longman Publishing Group.
Shafritz, J.M., & Hyde, A.C. (2012). Classics of public administration. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.