Public administration and its concepts

Let's talk about one of the areas of administrationPublic administration and its concepts. This area of administration is a concept within the field of law that describes a set of agents, services, and bodies established by the state. 

With the goal of managing somethingareas of society, such as: education, health, culture, execution, etc.

Below are the topics we will cover in this post about public administration and its concepts:

• Function of public administration
• Direct and indirect public administration
• The basic principles of public administration
• What does a public administrator do?
• What is the importance of public administration?

Function of public administration

That administration itselfIts objective is to work in the public interest and in favor of the rights of the citizens it administers. In other words, it is organized to reduce bureaucratic processes, obtain useful results, and develop an action plan and effectively execute the management of services.

We can also define it as a harmonious set of legal principles that govern public bodies, agents, and activities, aimed at concretely and directly realizing the desires and orders of the state.

Public administration in our country has already gone through three phases, namely: the phase patrimonialist (during the imperial era), bureaucratic (during the time of President Vargas) and the managerial (This is the most recent phase, the phase that is currently being implemented).

Direct and indirect public administration

There are two types of public administration: direct and indirectDirect public administration is carried out and performed by the powers of the Union, the United States, the Federal District, and the municipalities. 

These bodies do not have their own legal personality; the expenses inherent to the sector are covered in the public budget. This results in administrative decentralization, which consists of the creation and delegation of tasks.

Indirect public administration, on the other hand, involves the transfer of administration from the state to other legal entities, which may include: public companies, foundations, private organizations, etc.

In these cases, administrative decentralization ends up occurring, meaning that administrative tasks are transferred to another legal entity. 

Public services provided by direct and indirect public administration encompass a wide range of areas of public interest, such as: health, education, transportation, public safety, social security, and economic development.

The basic principles of public administration

As we've seen throughout this content, the field of public administration is important, and fundamental to understanding how the state is structured.

Now we will understand a little more about administrative principles. These principles serve to guide the activities of municipal, state, and federal governments, as we will present below:

Legality 

Legality in public administration is subject to the principles of law. Laws take precedence over private interests; administrative laws or norms are contained in constitutions, ensuring that only the general will of citizens is permitted.

The principles of legality go against personalistic behavior, favoritism, and other such practices, because the idea is to value citizenship and the collective interest.

Furthermore, it is always important to remember that the activities of everyone in the public sector – from the president of the republic to municipal employees – are subject to obedience, compliance, and the practices of the law.

Impersonality

Impersonality aims to translate the notion of public administration. It should treat all citizens equally without discrimination; the state must act impartially towards third parties.

Public servants cannot favor specific causes or individuals in their actions and treatment. They should always aim to reach the community or a broad group of citizens. 

Furthermore, it is linked to the understanding that the actions of public officials are always attributed to the public body to which they are attached, so that an action by an agent is in fact an action of a body.

Morality

This principle requires public officials to distance themselves from morality and ethics. It states that administrative activities must be guided not only by the law, but also by good faith, loyalty, and probity. 

It is important to always bear in mind that the principle of morality does not refer to common morality, but rather to the values set forth in legal norms. It is about obeying both the legal and ethical laws of the institution; in other words, public administrators have an obligation to follow ethical standards.

Advertising 

Publicity ensures the dissemination and transparency of actions in public administration for the public's knowledge. We live in a democratic state governed by the rule of law, that is, where power belongs to the people.

The principle of publicity is a requirement for effectiveness and morality, whereby every administrative act must be published, with the exception of matters that are confidential in cases of national security, police investigations, or in the superior interests of the administration, as provided for by law.

Efficiency

This principle of efficiency boils down to the practice of good administration. It requires that administrative activity be carried out efficiently and without violating the principle of legality (that is, within the law). It is the duty of public servants to act in order to offer the best possible service while preserving public resources.

Public administration and its concepts should always prioritize the execution of services with excellent quality, respect, good ethics, commitment, and in a correct manner to avoid unnecessary expenses and waste.

What does a public administrator do?

A public administrator is a professional who performs an important function in the public sector. They are... qualified to manage Financial resources, technology, supplies, and personnel were acquired by state entities. These professionals then took on the task of organizing, planning, and coordinating the sectors of public organizations.

The main characteristics and obedience and ethics to the procedures stipulated by law. For example, to hire a supplier, it's not enough to do as a private company would and simply search for the best professional to perform the service.

It is necessary to follow an important procedure called bidding, which opens a window of opportunity for competition on a level playing field for all who wish to contribute to the public sector.

These restrictions on autonomy occur in all sectors and activities, such as hiring people, defining the priorities of government agencies, choosing the best products and suppliers, setting prices and tariffs, etc. 

Thus, unlike a private administrator, a public administration professional must have a thorough understanding of the laws and know how to generate results within this more restricted scope of action.

What is the importance of public administration?

Public administration, as an activity, corresponds to the management of public services, promotional activities, and police power. The first services are provisions aimed at common needs; the second, incentive programs; and the third, activities that restrict freedom or property for the collective benefit of all.

A prime example and model of this latter case are the regulatory bodies. When civil defense removes people from irregular locations and constructions or those about to collapse, the area is restricted in order to ensure everyone's safety.

It is therefore clear that The public manager wields considerable influence. in the quality of life of the population and in the development of the area. This professional will take care of the most important and essential issues for the community, under the guidance of what has been democratically decided and provided for by law.  

The administrator holds great responsibility and has a high level of visibility in their role. The benefits are quite attractive, as the earnings of a public manager are comparable to, and in some cases exceed, the salary of a conventional administrator.

Did you like knowing that? A little more about public administration and its concepts.They saw how important it is for our governments and public sectors to have good planning and work for the benefit of the population and good organization for the community.

Enjoy! That you've made it this farWe invite you to read our other content and posts below: 

• 5 Types of Organizational Environments
• Administration and Entrepreneurship
• Empathy at Work: Learn What It Is and Its Advantages!

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I am a member of the O Administrador team and I produce content about career, personal finance, financial education, productivity, and professional development. My goal is to share clear and practical information to help readers with their day-to-day decisions.

August 19, 2022