Hello, I need this question explained. You don't have to give me the answer ,but I just need a break down ..in order to know what direction i need to go in. I know what it means to be political..I guess Im just confused by the question. Please Help ! ( Question Below)
Research and Explain the Politics/Administration Dichotomy. (<<<Ive done that part). Do you believe that todays administrators (Civil Servants) have to be political ?
If you know what "political" means and you've done the Politics/Administration Dichotomy, which you could not do unless you understood what it mean, we're left with research and explain.
What's left? You need to make up your mind as to whether they are or not and state why you believe that.
Sra
OKay , I will try. I guess I just didn't understand how politics came into it. I read that political admin dichotomy is the separation between politics and public administration.
For example my books says that a city council does not get involved in administration or a city manager has no involvement in shaping policies.
But.. I feel like that's what they should do. Instead of having no involvement with one another..thats what they're there for right ?
I think I just answered the question. ^_^ Thank You !
Certainly! The Politics/Administration Dichotomy is a concept in public administration that emphasizes the separation of political decision-making and administrative implementation. It suggests that politicians should focus on making policy decisions, while civil servants should be responsible for implementing those policies impartially and efficiently.
To research and explain this dichotomy, you can start by understanding the historical context. The idea of the dichotomy was first proposed by Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, in his essay "The Study of Administration" (1887). Wilson argued that political and administrative functions should be separate, with politicians setting policy goals and civil servants implementing those goals without political influence.
Next, you can delve into the reasons behind the dichotomy. The primary purpose is to ensure an efficient and impartial public administration, free from the biases and partisan interests often associated with politics. By separating politics and administration, policymakers can focus on broader policy issues, while administrators can concentrate on managing and delivering public services effectively.
However, the question asks whether today's administrators (civil servants) have to be political. This question reflects the evolving role of civil servants in modern governance. While the ideal is for administrators to remain politically neutral, they cannot completely avoid political factors altogether. Here's why:
1. Implementation of policies: Administrators are responsible for implementing policies chosen by political leaders, which requires understanding political contexts and balancing various stakeholders' interests.
2. Policy advice: Civil servants often provide advice to politicians based on their expertise and knowledge of the administrative processes. This advice may have political implications in terms of policy feasibility, impact, or public perception.
3. Collaborative governance: In contemporary governance, policymakers and administrators increasingly work together collaboratively, blurring the lines between politics and administration. Achieving effective governance often requires a partnership between political leaders and civil servants.
4. Public opinion and accountability: Administrators may need to be aware of public sentiment and political dynamics to ensure the successful implementation of policies and maintain public trust.
To sum up, while the Politics/Administration Dichotomy emphasizes the separation of politics and administration, today's administrators can't entirely avoid political aspects. They should strive to remain politically neutral and focus on efficient implementation, but an understanding of political dynamics and collaboration with political leaders can enhance their effectiveness.