Free BSGS Public Administration Question and Answer — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The definition of administration given by which of the following administrative theorists is "the organization and directing of human and material resources to achieve desired ends"?
- J.M. Pfiffner (Correct answer)
- L.D. White
- H.A. Simon
- J.A. Veig
Correct answer: J.M. Pfiffner
The definition of administration as "the organization and directing of human and material resources to achieve desired ends" was provided by J.M. Pfiffner. As a prominent scholar in public administration, Pfiffner's definition highlights the practical, goal-oriented nature of administration, emphasizing the efficient management and coordination of resources to accomplish specific organizational objectives.
Question 2: Which of the following statements about new public management is untrue?
- It advocates managerial autonomy
- It focuses on performance appraisal
- It upholds public interest (Correct answer)
- It has market orientation
Correct answer: It upholds public interest
The statement that New Public Management (NPM) "upholds public interest" is untrue in the context of its defining characteristics. While all public administration ultimately aims to serve the public, NPM's distinct approach emphasizes market orientation, managerial autonomy, and performance appraisal, often prioritizing efficiency and effectiveness derived from private-sector models. Critics argue that NPM's focus on business-like metrics can sometimes overshadow traditional public interest values like equity, accountability, and democratic participation.
Question 3: In the World Bank Report of, "Good Governance" and "Participating Civil Society for Development" were emphasized.
- 1997
- 2003
- 1992 (Correct answer)
- 2000
Correct answer: 1992
The World Bank's influential report of 1992, titled "Governance and Development," was instrumental in emphasizing the concepts of "Good Governance" and the critical role of "Participating Civil Society for Development." This report marked a significant shift in development thinking, highlighting that effective and equitable development requires not just economic reforms but also sound, transparent, and accountable governance structures, alongside active citizen engagement.
Question 4: What is the name of the system used when a department's administrative authority is vested in a single person?
- Board
- Council
- Commission
- Bureau (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Bureau
A bureau is an administrative unit or department where authority is centralized and typically vested in a single person, often referred to as a bureau chief or director. This structure ensures clear lines of command and accountability within that specific administrative domain. Options like Board, Council, or Commission generally imply a collective body where authority is shared among multiple individuals.
Question 5: What is globalization?
- Geographical location of a firm is of utmost importance
- Financial market system is centered in a single state
- The growth of a single unified world market (Correct answer)
- Foreign capitalist transactions
Correct answer: The growth of a single unified world market
Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries worldwide, particularly in economic, social, and cultural spheres. Economically, it signifies the integration of national economies into a single, unified global market. This process is characterized by the free flow of goods, services, capital, and information across international borders, leading to a more integrated global economic system.
Question 6: Who designed the "Managerial Grid"?
- Mounton and Shophan
- Blake and Schmidt
The Managerial Grid (also known as the Leadership Grid) was famously designed by Robert R. Blake and Jane S. Mouton. This model helps leaders assess their leadership style based on their concern for production and concern for people. However, neither of the provided options accurately lists both correct designers, as option A contains a misspelling and an incorrect name, and option B contains an incorrect name.
Question 7: Who among the following claims that only the executive branch of government is involved in public administration?
- Luther Gulick (Correct answer)
- L. D. White and Luther Gulick
- D. W. F. Willoughby
- L. D. White
Correct answer: Luther Gulick
Luther Gulick, a prominent figure in classical public administration, held a narrow view that public administration is primarily concerned with the executive branch of government. He emphasized the 'POSDCORB' functions (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting, Budgeting) as activities specific to the executive. This perspective distinguished administration from policy-making, which he attributed to the legislative and judicial branches.
Question 8: The phrase "zone of indifference" is used to describe
- Motivation
- Authority (Correct answer)
- Decision-Making
- Leadership
Correct answer: Authority
The phrase 'zone of indifference' was coined by Chester Barnard in his work 'The Functions of the Executive' to describe the range of orders or directives that an individual will accept without consciously questioning their authority. Within this zone, employees comply with instructions because they perceive them as legitimate and consistent with the organization's purpose. It highlights the psychological aspect of authority and acceptance within an organization.
Question 9: Who has conducted a "circular response" analysis of the leadership?
- Millet
- Taylor
- M. P. Follett (Correct answer)
- C. I. Barnard
Correct answer: M. P. Follett
Mary Parker Follett, a pioneering management theorist, developed the concept of 'circular response' in the context of leadership. She argued that leadership is not a one-way command but a dynamic, interactive process where leaders and followers mutually influence each other. This reciprocal relationship, where actions and reactions continuously shape behavior, is central to her understanding of effective leadership and group dynamics.
Question 10: Simon suggested a fresh idea for management based on the method of?
- Bounded rationality
- Decision-Making
- Satisfying
- Logical positivism (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Logical positivism
Herbert Simon's ideas on management and decision-making were significantly influenced by logical positivism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes empirical observation and logical analysis. He sought to make administrative theory more scientific by focusing on observable behavior and rational decision-making processes. This approach led him to critique traditional administrative principles as lacking empirical foundation and to advocate for a more rigorous, fact-based understanding of organizations.
Question 11: Towards A New Public Administration: The Minnowbrook Perspective was written by who?
- C. J. Charlesworth
- Dwight Waldo
- J. M. Pfiffner
- Frank Marini (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Frank Marini
'Towards A New Public Administration: The Minnowbrook Perspective' is a seminal work edited by Frank Marini, published in 1971. This book compiled papers from the first Minnowbrook Conference, which critically examined traditional public administration and advocated for a 'New Public Administration.' The movement emphasized social equity, relevance, and values in public service, and Marini's editorship was crucial in articulating these emerging perspectives.
Question 12: Who dismissed the administrative principles as "myths" and "proverbs"?
- Chester Barnard
- W. F. Willoughby
- L. D. White
- Herbert Simon (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Herbert Simon
Herbert Simon famously critiqued the traditional 'principles of administration' in his influential work 'Administrative Behavior,' dismissing them as mere 'proverbs' or 'myths.' He argued that these principles, such as unity of command or span of control, often contradicted each other and lacked empirical validation. Simon advocated for a more scientific approach to administration, focusing on decision-making processes and bounded rationality.
Question 13: The traditional approach of management is also referred to as the
- Mechanistic theory (Correct answer)
- Historical theory
- Human Relations theory
- Locational theory
Correct answer: Mechanistic theory
The traditional approach of management, often associated with scientific management and classical organization theory, is also referred to as the mechanistic theory. This perspective views organizations as machines, emphasizing efficiency, hierarchy, specialization, and formal rules and procedures. It focuses on optimizing tasks and structures to achieve predictable and controlled outcomes, much like a well-oiled machine.
Question 14: How many organizational concepts did Henry Fayol put forth?
- 5
- 9
- 10
- 14 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 14
Henri Fayol, a key figure in classical management theory, proposed 14 principles of management in his book 'General and Industrial Management.' These principles, such as division of work, authority and responsibility, discipline, unity of command, and esprit de corps, provided a comprehensive framework for effective organizational administration. They remain foundational concepts in management studies.
Question 15: Ideas of Simon were favourably impacted by?
- Barnard (Correct answer)
- Terry
- Henry Fayol
- L. D. White
Correct answer: Barnard
Herbert Simon's work, particularly his theories on decision-making and organizations, was significantly influenced by Chester Barnard. Barnard's 'The Functions of the Executive' introduced concepts like the 'zone of indifference' and the importance of cooperation and communication, which provided a psychological and sociological foundation for understanding organizational behavior. Simon built upon Barnard's insights, particularly in developing his ideas on bounded rationality and the nature of administrative decision-making.
Question 16: The basis for negative motivation is
- Reward
- Fear (Correct answer)
- Status
- Money
Correct answer: Fear
Negative motivation is primarily based on the avoidance of undesirable outcomes or consequences, with fear being a central element. It involves using threats of punishment, loss of privileges, or other adverse repercussions to compel individuals to perform certain actions or adhere to rules. While it can induce compliance, it often leads to lower morale and creativity compared to positive motivation based on rewards.
The definition of administration given by which of the following administrative theorists is "the organization and directing of human and material resources to achieve desired ends"?