Public Administration MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Public Administration - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is 'level jumping of hierarchy'

Key Points

• Concept of 'Gangplank' in an organization:
  • The term 'Gangplank' refers to a concept introduced by Henri Fayol in his administrative theory. It allows for direct communication between employees at the same hierarchical level but in different departments or sections, bypassing the usual chain of command.
  • This concept is useful in situations where rapid communication is necessary and can increase efficiency by speeding up decision-making processes and reducing potential delays caused by the hierarchical structure.
  • Despite this flexibility, the formal chain of command must be respected, and the gangplank should be used judiciously to avoid undermining authority and causing confusion.

Additional Information

• Incorrect options overview:
  • A training tool: This is incorrect as 'Gangplank' is not a training method or tool used in an organization. Training tools are typically methodologies or resources used to improve employee skills and knowledge.
  • Budgeting software: This option is incorrect because 'Gangplank' does not refer to any software related to budgeting or financial planning. Budgeting software helps in financial forecasting, budget creation, and financial analysis.
  • An accounting agency: This is incorrect since 'Gangplank' does not describe any agency involved in accounting services. Accounting agencies are firms providing accounting, auditing, and financial consulting services.

The correct answer is 'Chester Barnard'.

Key Points

• Chester Barnard:
  • Chester Barnard was an American business executive, public administrator, and author of pioneering work in management theory.
  • He wrote the book "The Functions of the Executive" in 1938, which is considered a seminal work in the field of management and organizational theory.
  • In his book, Barnard analyzed the functions and roles of executives, and emphasized the importance of communication, leadership, and decision-making in organizations.
  • His theories on the acceptance of authority and the cooperative systems within organizations have had a lasting impact on management practices.

Additional Information

• Max Weber:
  • Max Weber was a German sociologist, philosopher, and political economist known for his theory of bureaucracy and his work on the sociology of religion.
  • Weber's most famous works include "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" and "Economy and Society".
  • While he made significant contributions to organizational theory, he did not write "The Functions of the Executive".
• Henri Fayol:
  • Henri Fayol was a French mining engineer and management theorist known for his work in developing administrative theory.
  • He is best known for his book "General and Industrial Management", where he outlined his 14 principles of management.
  • Fayol's work focused on the functions of management, but he did not write "The Functions of the Executive".
• Sun Tzu:
  • Sun Tzu was an ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher, known for his work "The Art of War".
  • "The Art of War" is a treatise on military strategy and tactics, and has been widely influential in both military and business contexts.
  • Sun Tzu's work is unrelated to the field of executive functions in management theory.

The correct answer is 'Herbert Marcuse'.

Key Points

• 'One-Dimensional Man' by Herbert Marcuse:
  • Herbert Marcuse was a German-American philosopher, sociologist, and political theorist, associated with the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory.
  • 'One-Dimensional Man' is a critical text that explores the nature of advanced industrial society and its capacity to control individuals through the integration of social, cultural, and economic systems.
  • The book critiques both capitalist and communist societies for their tendencies to suppress individual freedom and creativity, leading to a conformist culture.
  • Marcuse's work has been influential in the fields of political theory, sociology, and philosophy, contributing significantly to discussions on social and political power structures.

Additional Information

• Muchkund Dubey:
  • Muchkund Dubey is an Indian economist and academic known for his work in international relations, but he is not associated with 'One-Dimensional Man'.
• Fareed Zakaria:
  • Fareed Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist, political scientist, and author, known for his work on global politics and international affairs. He did not write 'One-Dimensional Man'.
• Herbert Simon:
  • Herbert Simon was an American economist and political scientist known for his work on decision-making processes within administrative organizations. He is not the author of 'One-Dimensional Man'.

The correct answer is 'A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II'

Key Points

• Dr. S Jaishankar:
  • Dr. S Jaishankar is an Indian diplomat and politician who has written the book "The India Way."
  • The book discusses India’s foreign policy and strategic affairs.
• Herbert Simon:
  • Herbert Simon was an American economist and political scientist.
  • He is best known for his work "Administrative Behaviour," which explores decision-making processes within administrative organizations.
• Abraham Maslow:
  • Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist best known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
  • His work "A Theory of Human Motivation" lays out the framework for understanding human psychological growth and needs.
• Chris Argyris:
  • Chris Argyris was an American business theorist, particularly known for his work on organizational learning.
  • His book "On Organizational Learning" examines the processes through which organizations learn and adapt.

The correct answer is '1968'

Key Points

• Minnowbrook Conference-I:
  • The Minnowbrook Conference-I, also known as the first Minnowbrook Conference, was a significant event in the field of public administration that took place in 1968.
  • Held at the Minnowbrook Conference Center in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, the conference brought together young scholars and practitioners in public administration to discuss the future of the discipline.
  • The conference is renowned for its critical examination of traditional public administration theories and practices, promoting a more dynamic and responsive approach to public management.
  • The discussions and outcomes of the conference led to the development of the New Public Administration movement, which emphasized social equity, public participation, and ethical governance.

Additional Information

• Other Options:
  • 1961: This year did not witness any significant event related to the Minnowbrook Conference. The field of public administration continued to follow traditional approaches during this period.
  • 1965: Although the 1960s were a period of significant social and political change, the first Minnowbrook Conference specifically did not occur in 1965.
  • 1971: While there were many developments in public administration during the early 1970s, the first Minnowbrook Conference had already taken place in 1968. Another notable conference, Minnowbrook II, was later held in 1988.

The correct answer is Dictatorship.

Explanation: Building morale in the workplace is crucial for fostering a positive and productive environment. The factors you mentioned—job satisfaction, facilities, and job training—play significant roles in achieving high morale among employees. Here's how each factor contributes:

Key Points

1. Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction refers to how content an individual is with their job. It's a key component in building morale for several reasons:

• Fulfillment: When employees find their work fulfilling, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This can come from doing work that aligns with personal values, interests, or professional goals.
• Recognition: Feeling recognized and valued for one's contributions boosts self-esteem and satisfaction. Regular feedback and acknowledgment of achievements can enhance this feeling.
• Work-life Balance: Ensuring employees have a healthy balance between work and personal life contributes to job satisfaction, reducing burnout and increasing overall happiness.

2. Facilities
The physical work environment and the facilities provided by an organization can significantly impact employee morale:

• Comfort and Safety: A comfortable, safe, and healthy workplace ensures employees can perform their tasks effectively without health risks or discomfort, leading to higher satisfaction and morale.
• Resources and Tools: Providing the necessary tools, technology, and resources enables employees to complete their work efficiently and effectively, reducing frustration and increasing job satisfaction.
• Amenities: Additional amenities like recreational areas, cafeterias, or fitness centers can contribute to a more enjoyable work environment, making employees feel valued and cared for by the organization.

3. Job Training
Offering job training and development opportunities is crucial for morale for several reasons:

• Skill Development: Continuous learning and skill development help employees stay relevant in their fields, increasing their confidence and satisfaction with their career progression.
• Career Advancement: Providing training that supports career advancement shows employees that the organization is invested in their growth, leading to higher engagement and loyalty.
• Adaptability: Training employees to adapt to new technologies, processes, or methodologies keeps the workforce agile and prepared for changes, reducing anxiety and resistance to change.

 Additional Information

• Building morale involves creating a work environment where employees feel satisfied with their jobs, have the necessary facilities and resources to perform their duties effectively, and receive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• High morale leads to increased productivity, lower turnover rates, and a more positive workplace culture.

The correct answer is Limiting the authority of police in public places.

Explanation: Police-public relations encompass a wide range of efforts and strategies aimed at fostering a positive and cooperative relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. One aspect of improving police-public relations can involve addressing and potentially limiting the authority of police in public places, with the goal of ensuring that policing practices are fair, respectful, and do not infringe upon the rights and freedoms of the public unnecessarily.

Key Points

Limiting police authority in public places does not mean undermining the ability of the police to enforce the law or maintain public order. Rather, it involves implementing measures and policies that guide police interactions with the public in a way that respects civil liberties, promotes transparency, and builds trust. This can include:

• Clear Guidelines and Accountability: Establishing clear guidelines for police conduct in public places and holding officers accountable for their actions. This ensures that police actions are consistent, justified, and subject to oversight.
• Community Policing: Emphasizing community policing strategies that focus on building relationships with community members, understanding their concerns, and working collaboratively to solve local problems. This approach often requires police to act more as community members rather than as an occupying force.
• Use of Force Policies: Reviewing and revising use-of-force policies to ensure they are proportionate, necessary, and last-resort measures. Limiting the use of force, especially in public places, can help reduce community tensions and build trust.
• Transparency and Communication: Increasing transparency about police policies, procedures, and actions, especially in contentious situations. This can involve the use of body-worn cameras and public reporting on police activities.
• Training and Education: Providing police with training that emphasizes de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, and the importance of civil rights. This helps ensure that officers are prepared to interact with the public in a respectful and effective manner.
• Engagement and Dialogue: Creating platforms for dialogue and engagement between police and community members. This can help address grievances, build understanding, and foster a collaborative approach to public safety.

 Additional Information

• By focusing on these and other strategies, the aim is to create an environment where the police can effectively do their job without overstepping their bounds, thereby improving police-public relations. It's about finding the right balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights and dignity of all community members.

The correct answer is First Hoover Commission in the United States.

Explanation: The First Hoover Commission, officially known as the Commission on Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government, was established in 1947 during the presidency of Harry S. Truman. Named after its chairman, former President Herbert Hoover, the commission was tasked with examining, evaluating, and recommending improvements for the efficiency and effectiveness of the various agencies of the U.S. federal government.

Key Points

• The term "performance budget" refers to a budgeting process that not only allocates resources based on the financial needs of different agencies or programs but also considers the outcomes or performance results expected from these allocations. Unlike traditional budgeting, which often focuses on the inputs (how much money is needed for salaries, equipment, etc.), performance budgeting aims to link the funding levels directly to the results an agency or program is expected to achieve, thereby promoting greater accountability and efficiency in government spending.
• The First Hoover Commission is credited with coining the term "performance budget" as part of its recommendations to improve governmental operations. The Commission suggested that budgeting should be more than just an accounting exercise and should be closely tied to the actual performance and effectiveness of government programs and services. By doing so, the Commission believed that it would be possible to achieve more rational and results-oriented allocation of public funds, ensuring that taxpayer money is used more efficiently and effectively to meet the nation's needs and priorities.

 Additional Information

• The concept of performance budgeting advocated by the Hoover Commission represented a significant shift in thinking about government budgeting and laid the groundwork for later reforms and innovations in public financial management.

The correct answer is L D white

Explanation: L.D. White is a prominent figure in the field of public administration, particularly known for his contributions to the classical theory of public administration. His work is often associated with the integrated idea of public administration, which emphasizes a holistic approach to managing government operations and services. White's perspectives were grounded in the belief that public administration should not only be efficient and effective but also integrated within the broader context of government and society.

 Key Points

• White's contributions to public administration include his emphasis on the importance of understanding the historical and institutional contexts within which public administration operates.
• He argued that public administrators should have a broad education and a deep understanding of the political, social, and economic environment.
• This approach helps ensure that public administration is responsive to the needs of society and operates in harmony with democratic principles and values.
• Furthermore, White highlighted the importance of organizational theory and management principles in public administration.
• He believed that effective organization and management are crucial for the successful implementation of public policies and the delivery of public services.
• White's work on administrative leadership, decision-making processes, and the role of public administrators in policy formulation and implementation has significantly influenced the field of public administration.

 Additional Information

• L.D. White's contributions to public administration are closely related to the integrated idea of the field, which calls for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between public administration, government, and society.
• His work underscores the importance of a well-rounded approach that considers the historical, institutional, and managerial aspects of public administration to achieve efficiency, effectiveness, and democratic governance.

The correct answer is Simon.

Explanation: Simon, a renowned American economist and psychologist, is often associated with the theory of decision-making, particularly in the context of organizational and managerial decision-making processes. His work on this subject primarily revolves around the concept of bounded rationality and the idea that decision-makers do not always make perfectly rational choices due to limitations in information processing and cognitive abilities.

 Key PointsSimon's key contributions to the theory of decision-making include:

• Bounded Rationality: Simon argued that individuals and organizations have limited cognitive resources and cannot fully analyze and evaluate all possible alternatives when making decisions. As a result, they employ a "satisficing" approach, where they seek satisfactory solutions that are good enough rather than the optimal solution.
• Administrative Man Model: In contrast to the traditional economic model of the "Economic Man," who makes perfectly rational choices to maximize utility, Simon introduced the concept of the "Administrative Man." Administrative Man is a decision-maker who takes into account organizational constraints, limited information, and cognitive biases when making decisions.
• Decision-Making Process: Simon emphasized that the decision-making process consists of multiple stages, including problem identification, information gathering, alternative generation, evaluation, and choice. He proposed that individuals and organizations often use heuristics, rules of thumb, and simplified models to navigate these stages efficiently.
• Satisficing: Simon introduced the term "satisficing," which combines "satisfy" and "suffice." It reflects the idea that decision-makers aim to find solutions that meet acceptable criteria rather than exhaustively searching for the best possible solution. This approach helps save time and cognitive effort.
• Organizational Behavior: Simon's work also emphasized the significance of understanding decision-making in the context of organizations. He argued that organizations have their own decision-making processes, routines, and cultures that influence how decisions are made.

 Additional Information

• Simon's theory of decision-making has had a profound impact on fields such as management, economics, and psychology.
• It recognizes the inherent limitations in human cognition and provides a more realistic framework for understanding how individuals and organizations make decisions in practice.
• This perspective has led to the development of behavioral economics and organizational behavior as important branches of study.

The correct answer is Luther Gulick.

Key Points

• The 'POSDCORB' formula of management was given by Luther Gulick and Urwick.
• It appeared most prominently in a 1937 paper by Luther Gulick (in a set edited by himself and Lyndall Urwick).
• He first presented the concept in 1935.
• POSDCORB stands for Planning, Organising, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting, and Budgeting.
• It holds that public administration works with numerous organizational management procedures and methods, such as planning, organizing, coordinating, etc.

Additional Information

• Luther Gullick has given a keyword ’POSDCORB’ where P stands for Planning, O for Organizing, S for Staffing, D for Directing, Co for Co-ordination, R for reporting & B for Budgeting.
• Planning: It refers to broad sketch of the work. Planning is the first and most important step in POSDCORB as it sets the overall structure of the process with activities and timelines.
• Organizing: Organizing involves formally classifying, defining and synchronizing the various sub-processes or subdivisions of the work to be done.
• Staffing: This involves recruiting and selecting the right candidates for the job and facilitating their orientation and training while maintaining a favorable work environment.
• Directing: Directing is an important step in the POSDCORB cycle as it makes thing happen by giving clear objectives to teams and individuals.
• Coordinating: This basically refers to orchestrating and interlinking the various components of the work.
• Organising: This refers to organise the components of work.
• Reporting: Reporting involves regularly updating the superior about the progress or the work related activities. The information dissemination can be through records or inspection.
• Budgeting: Budgeting involves all the activities that under Auditing, Accounting, Fiscal Planning and Control.

The correct answer is Millet.

Explanation: The quote attributed to Millet, "Communication is the blood stream of administration," emphasizes the vital role communication plays within the context of administrative functions and organizational management.

 Key PointsFundamental Role of Communication
Just as blood is essential for sustaining life by transporting oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body, communication serves as the lifeblood of an organization by ensuring the flow of information. This information flow enables decision-making, coordination of activities, and the achievement of organizational goals.

Components of Effective Communication in Administration

• Information Sharing: Effective administration relies on the timely and accurate sharing of information. This ensures that all members of the organization are informed and can contribute effectively to their roles.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Just as the body uses feedback loops to maintain homeostasis, organizations need feedback to adjust and improve. Communication channels that allow feedback from all levels of the organization lead to more adaptive and responsive administration.
• Coordination and Collaboration: Efficient administration requires the coordination of various departments and teams. Communication is the tool that synchronizes these efforts, ensuring that everyone works towards common objectives.
• Conflict Resolution: In any administration, conflicts may arise. Open and honest communication provides a means for conflict resolution, enabling the organization to function smoothly without internal disruptions.
• Culture and Relationship Building: Communication fosters a positive organizational culture and builds relationships among members. This is akin to how blood carries hormones that regulate social bonding and stress in the body.

Challenges in Communication

• Just as the circulatory system can face issues like blockages or circulatory problems, communication in administration can also encounter barriers. These might include miscommunication, information overload, cultural differences, and resistance to change. Effective administration must identify and address these challenges to ensure a healthy flow of communication.

Technological Advances and Communication

• In the modern era, technology plays a significant role in enhancing communication within administration. Digital tools and platforms have made information more accessible and have streamlined communication processes, much like medical advancements that improve blood flow and health.

 Additional Information

• Millet's analogy highlights the indispensable role of communication in administration. It is not just a tool but the very essence that keeps the administrative body alive and functioning.
• For an organization to thrive, its communication must be efficient, clear, and purposeful, ensuring that every part of the organization is nourished with the information needed to perform optimally.

The correct answer is Frank Marini.

Key Points

• Frank Marini has written this book 'Towards New Public Administration'.
• He summarizes the themes of New Public Administration under five heads - relevance, values, social equity, change, and client focus.
• The goals of New public administration are as follows-
•  Relevance
  • This new movement emphasizes the relevance of public administration in contemporary public life.
  • It asks for a significant revamp of the public administration curricula at various colleges.
• Values 
  • The value neutrality in conventional public administration is categorically rejected by this new approach in public administration.
• Social equity
  • Creating equality in society is one of public administration's objectives.
  • According to the new public administration, reducing the economic, social, and psychological suffering of the populace is the primary objective of public administration.
• Change
  • The new public administration believes that social integration needs a change.
  • It is vital to fight against stagnation and influential forces.
• Client focus
  • ​Client is another word for citizen.
  • Providing the citizens with satisfactory service is NPA's main objective

The correct answer is Tradition

Explanation:

The New Public Administration (NPA) emerged as a paradigm shift in the field of public administration during the 1960s and 1970s. It represented a departure from the traditional, bureaucratic model of public administration, advocating for a more responsive, ethical, and participatory approach. The NPA sought to address the shortcomings of the old system and aimed to make public administration more relevant and accountable to the needs of the citizens it serves.

 Key Points

• Change: NPA emphasizes the need for positive change in public administration practices. Calls for reforms in bureaucratic structures and administrative processes. Focuses on adaptability and flexibility to address evolving societal challenges.
• Ethics: One of the core objectives of NPA is to instill a strong ethical foundation in public administration. Encourages public administrators to adhere to high moral and ethical standards. Aims to build public trust through transparent and ethical decision-making.
• Relevance: NPA stresses the importance of making public administration relevant to the needs of the community. Advocates for a citizen-centric approach, ensuring that administrative processes align with the aspirations and concerns of the public. Seeks to enhance the responsiveness and effectiveness of public institutions.
• Tradition: While "Tradition" is not typically articulated as a distinct objective in NPA literature, the underlying principles often encompass values such as accountability, transparency, and social equity. Tradition was part of earlier public administration which was based on normative principles however with time and change in the scope of NPA it has evolved.

Additional Information

• Foundational Thinkers: Scholars such as Dwight Waldo, Fred Riggs, and Robert Denhardt played pivotal roles in shaping the NPA discourse. They emphasized the importance of humanistic values and social equity in public administration.
• Critique of Traditional Model: The NPA emerged as a response to the perceived failures and limitations of the traditional, bureaucratic model of public administration. It critiqued the impersonal and rigid nature of bureaucracy, advocating for a more people-centered and values-driven approach.
• Influence on Public Administration Education: The principles of NPA have influenced the curriculum and focus of public administration education, encouraging a broader understanding of administrative practices beyond mere technicalities.

In conclusion, the New Public Administration aimed to bring about transformative change in public administration by emphasizing ethics, responsiveness, and relevance. While "value" may not be explicitly listed as an objective, the underlying values are inherent in the ethical considerations and the commitment to serving the public interest.

The correct answer is Human relations theory.

Explanation: The Hawthorne experiments, conducted at the Western Electric Company's Hawthorne Works in Cicero, Illinois, from 1924 to 1932, are a foundational part of Human Relations Theory. These experiments initially aimed to study the effects of physical working conditions on worker productivity. However, they ended up revealing the significant impact of social factors and employee attitudes on work performance.

 Key Points

• Elton Mayo, an Australian psychologist and organizational theorist, along with his research team, observed that changes in work conditions (such as lighting adjustments) unexpectedly increased productivity not just in the experimental group but also in the control group. This led to the realization that factors other than physical conditions were at play.

The key findings from the Hawthorne experiments that contributed to the development of Human Relations Theory include:

• Social Relations and Worker Satisfaction: The experiments highlighted the importance of social relations at the workplace, showing that workers were more motivated by social bonds and their sense of belonging in a group than by physical work conditions or financial incentives.
• The Hawthorne Effect: Named after the location of the experiments, this effect suggests that individuals modify an aspect of their behavior in response to their awareness of being observed. The mere attention given to workers by the researchers was enough to significantly alter worker productivity.
• Management Approach: The findings emphasized the need for a management approach that valued the social needs of workers and not just the economic or mechanical aspects of work. This was a departure from the then-dominant Taylorism (or Scientific Management), which focused primarily on work efficiency without considering worker satisfaction or social dynamics.
• Communication and Leadership: The experiments also pointed to the importance of communication between managers and workers and the role of leadership in influencing employee morale and productivity.

 Additional Information

• Human Relations Theory, which emerged from these findings, posits that workers are motivated not just by money but by a complex set of social factors and the need for belonging and esteem. It suggests that managers should focus on creating a supportive work environment, fostering good social relations, and addressing workers' emotional needs.
• The Hawthorne experiments are considered a turning point in management theory, marking the transition from classical approaches that emphasized efficiency and standardization to approaches that consider the psychological and social aspects of work.