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PROJECT TOPIC AND MATERIAL ON Theory-of-Administration-and-Management
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CHAPTER ONE
FUNCTIONS AND IMPACTS OF THEORY IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Concept of Theory
The word has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from a Greek word, “theoria”, meaning “a look at” in modern usage, and has taken on several different related meanings.
Theory explains how some aspect of human behavior or performance is organized. It thus enables us to make predictions about that behavior. The components of theory are concepts (ideally well defined) and principles.
A theory is a contemplative and rational type of abstract or generalizing thinking, or the results of such thinking. Depending on the context, the results might, for example, include generalized explanations of how nature works. Theories guide the enterprise of finding facts rather than of reaching goals, and are neutral concerning alternatives among values. A theory can be a body of knowledge, which may or may not be associated with particular explanatory models. To theorize is to develop this body of knowledge.
Definition of Theory
In modern science, the term “theory” refers to scientific theories, a well-confirmed type of explanation of nature, made in a way consistent with scientific method, and fulfilling the criteria required by modern science. Such theories are described in such a way that any scientist in the field is in a position to understand and either provide empirical support (“verify”) or empirically contradict (“falsify”) it. Scientific theories are the most reliable, rigorous, and comprehensive form of scientific knowledge, in contrast to more common uses of the word “theory” that imply that something is unproven or speculative (which is better characterized by the word ‘hypothesis’). Scientific theories are distinguished from hypotheses, which are individual empirically testable conjectures, and from scientific laws, which are descriptive accounts of how nature behaves under certain conditions.
Theory is a general proposition, or logically-connected system of general propositions, which establishes a relationship between two or more variables. A theory is an explanation of a particular social phenomenon. The Oxford English Dictionary, described theory as a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.
According to Asika (1991) a theory is a statement of invariant relationship among measurable phenomenon with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomenon. A phenomenon or concept on its own is our perception of reality to which we have attached some word labels for the purpose of identification. A theory consists of constructs, or concepts, definitions and propositions (hypotheses) and all these are put together to present a systematic view of a phenomenon, specify relationships between the concepts and constructs or variables of the phenomenon and explain and possibly predict the phenomenon.
Shokan (2008) defines theory as a hypothesis that has been tested, confirmed and found to be applicable anywhere and anytime. A theory is developed from generalization which is logical outcome of invariant relationship between or among variables obtained through hypothesis.
Development of Theories
Theory is constantly revised as new knowledge is discovered through research. Three stages of theory development in any new science
- i) Speculative- attempts to explain what is happening.
ii) Descriptive – gathers descriptive data to describe what is really happening.
iii) Constructive – revises old theories and develops new ones based on continuing research.
Theory Development Process
- i) Theory-practice-theory take existing theory in education, apply to distance learning, develop new theory
ii) Practice-research-theory see what is happening in distance learning, submit to research, develop theory from results.
ii) Theory-theory-research/practice builds on an initial theory to develop a second theory, then apply and test it.
Function of A Theory
Broadly speaking, theory becomes significant and relevant in an organization. Most organizations depend largely on theory as it performs the following functions:
- Theory is an analytical tool for understanding, explaining and making predictions about a given subject matter.
- Scientific theory generates potential application in the real world, allowing solutions that were not previously possible.
- A theory is the scientific sense of the world, it is an analytic structure designed to explain a set of empirical observation.
Importance of Theory in Public Administration
Why theory is important?
- Theory provides concepts to name what we observe and to explain relationships between concepts.
- Theory allows us to explain what we see and to figure out how to bring about change. Theory is a tool that enables us to identify a problem and to plan a means for altering the situation.
Theory is to justify reimbursement to get funding and support – need to explain what is being done and demonstrate that it works – theory and research
- Theory is to enhance the growth of the professional area to identify a body of knowledge with theories from both within and without the area of distance learning. That body of knowledge grows with theory and research. Theory guides research.
- Theory also helps us understand what we do not know and, therefore, is the only guide to research. Relating to theory, it increases its ability to solve other problems in different times and different places.
Origin of Administrative Theory
The administrative theory began in the early 18th century by different theorist which was classified as the early school of classical theory theories such as Federick W.Taylor , Max Weber and Luther Gulick who shared their contribution toward the administrative theory. Beside, the entire three theorists lived during the 18th to the 19th century. Moreover, their input and ideas still has an influence in the succeeding generation of managers and scholars and even today it still continue to significantly influence managerial thinking (Wren & Bedeian, 2009). The early classical theorist dealt with the scientific management theory, administrative theory and the bureaucratic theory. Their contribution distributed with the division of labour and focused on who must have formal authority and the role of direct supervision but their essence was the same (Jones & Bartlett, 2006). Furthermore, the second generations of scholars were the neoclassical organization theory based on the work of theorists such as Merton and Barnard. Additionally, Barnard contributed toward the system approach in which Barnard believed that the legitimacy of managers directives, and decide whether or not to comply based on their acceptance of authority and their roles as managers. Barnard believed that individuals inside the organizations must take responsibility for the work done and the work that is not done. Barnard, management approach was based on the system approach which dealt with the functions of the executives and how they should exercise authority assigned to them (Gobar & Mahoney, 2010).
Administrative theory originated with the key thinkers of the classical school of management such as Gulick, Weber, Simon, Fayol and Taylor and followed by the neoclassical school of management thinkers such as Merton and Barnard. This assignment will focus on the work of Weber, Fayol and Barnard. The assignment will first elaborate on the purpose of administrative theory and briefly highlight the background information for administrative theory. The assignment will then discuss the early classical school of management with specific reference to the theory of scientific management. It will then deliberate the administrative theory contribution by Fayol and Weber and further climax the criticism of their contribution on the administration theory. Moreover, focus on the neo-classical school of management base on the administrative theory contribution by Barnard and highlight critics of Barnard work. Along the way the comparison of Fayol, Weber and Barnard on administrative theory contribution.
Eiilm University defined administrative management theory as an attempt to find a rational way to design the entire organization. The theory generally calls for aformali3ed administrative structure, in which a clear division of labour and delegation of power and authority to administrators relevant to their areas of responsibilities (Eiilm University, 2010).
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