Public Administration MCQ Quiz in বাংলা - Objective Question with Answer for Public Administration - বিনামূল্যে ডাউনলোড করুন [PDF]

The correct answer is '(A), (B) and (D) Only'

Key Points

• Rational Choice Theory's impact on Public Administration:
  • Rational Choice Theory (RCT) posits that individuals make decisions by maximizing utility based on personal preferences and constraints.
  • This theory has influenced various areas of public administration by emphasizing efficiency, cost-benefit analysis, and individual choice.
• Organization Behaviour:
  • RCT has influenced organizational behavior by promoting an understanding of how individuals make decisions within organizations.
  • It helps in designing incentive structures and understanding employee motivations.
• Local Government:
  • In local government, RCT has guided the design of policies and programs that align with the preferences and behaviors of local constituents.
  • It emphasizes decentralization and local decision-making to improve efficiency and responsiveness.
• Theory of Democratic Administration:
  • RCT has contributed to the theory of democratic administration by providing frameworks for understanding voter behavior, public choice, and electoral competition.
  • It emphasizes the role of rational actors in democratic processes and the design of democratic institutions.

Additional Information

• Public Service Delivery:
  • While RCT has implications for public service delivery, it is more directly applied to organizational behavior, local government, and democratic administration.
  • Public service delivery often involves considerations beyond individual rationality, such as equity and social justice.

The correct answer is 'A, C, E Only'

Key Points

• Fred Riggs' Ideal Models:
  • Fred Riggs developed the Fused-Prismatic-Diffracted (FPD) model to analyze the administrative systems of various countries.
  • These models describe different stages of societal development and the corresponding nature of administrative systems.
  • They are used to understand the complexities and dynamics of public administration in different socio-economic contexts.
• Fused Model:
  • Represents a traditional, agrarian society.
  • The administrative system is simple and undifferentiated.
  • There is minimal specialization and the roles of political, economic, and social institutions are not distinct.
• Prismatic Model:
  • Represents a transitional society.
  • Characterized by a mix of traditional and modern elements.
  • The administrative system shows complexity and heterogeneity, with overlapping roles and functions.
• Diffracted Model:
  • Represents a modern, industrial society.
  • The administrative system is highly specialized and differentiated.
  • Clear separation of roles and functions among political, economic, and social institutions.

Additional Information

• Focussed Model:
  • This term does not belong to Fred Riggs' classification of administrative systems.
• Rainbow Model:
  • This term is also not part of Fred Riggs' models and does not describe any stage of societal or administrative development in his framework.

The correct answer is 'A, B, C, E Only'

Key Points

• Anthony Smith's Contribution:
  • Anthony Smith wrote the book "The Ethnic Origins of Nations".
  • This work is significant in the study of nationalism, focusing on the role of ethnic communities in the formation of nations.
• Ernest Gellner's Nationalism:
  • Ernest Gellner emphasized his ideas of nationalism in his book "Nations and Nationalism."
  • Gellner's theory posits that nationalism is a product of modernity and industrialization.
• Malcom X's Rediscovery of Africa:
  • Malcom X argued for the rediscovery of Africa as a spiritual and cultural homeland.
  • This perspective is crucial for understanding the African American experience and the broader Pan-African movement.
• Eric Hobsbawm's Invented Traditions:
  • Eric Hobsbawm highlighted the idea of "invented traditions."
  • This concept explains how traditions are often modern creations that serve specific social and political purposes.

Additional Information

• John Locke's General Will:
  • The statement that John Locke's idea of General Will was the seed from which nationalist doctrines sprang during the French Revolution of 1789 is incorrect.
  • In fact, the concept of General Will is attributed to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, not John Locke.

The correct answer is 'Henri Fayol'

Key Points

• Henri Fayol:
  • Henri Fayol was a French mining engineer and management theorist who is widely recognized for his contributions to modern management theory.
  • Fayol's quote emphasizes the flexibility required in management practices, highlighting that identical solutions rarely work in different situations due to varying circumstances.
  • He is best known for developing a general theory of business administration and for formulating the 14 Principles of Management, which include concepts like division of work, authority, discipline, unity of command, and others.

Additional Information

• Max Weber:
  • Max Weber was a German sociologist, philosopher, and political economist known for his theory of bureaucracy and ideas on the structure of organizations.
  • Weber's focus was more on the systematic and structured aspects of organizations, rather than the flexible approach mentioned in the quote.
• Peter Drucker:
  • Peter Drucker was an Austrian-American management consultant, educator, and author, often referred to as the "father of modern management."
  • Drucker emphasized innovation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of a customer-centric business approach, which differs from the context of the quote.
• Bertram Gross:
  • Bertram Gross was an American social scientist and management theorist known for his work on policy planning and organizational theory.
  • Gross focused on policy and planning within organizations, rather than the principle-based flexibility discussed in the quote.

The correct answer is Renin Likert

Key Points

• Renin Likert:
  • Renin Likert was an American social psychologist known for his contributions to management theory and organizational behavior.
  • He conceived the "Linking Pin Model," which describes organizations as systems of overlapping groups, where leaders act as linking pins connecting different levels.
  • This model emphasizes the importance of communication and coordination among different organizational levels for effective management.
  • Likert's model helps in understanding how information flows within an organization and how leaders can bridge gaps between teams or departments.

Additional Information

• Elton Mayo:
  • Elton Mayo was an Australian-born psychologist, industrial researcher, and organizational theorist.
  • He is best known for his role in the Hawthorne Studies, which examined how social relations and worker satisfaction impact productivity.
  • Mayo's work laid the foundation for the human relations movement in management.
• Fred Riggs:
  • Fred W. Riggs was a political scientist known for his work in comparative public administration.
  • He introduced the "Prismatic Society" model to explain complexities in developing countries' administrative systems.
  • His work did not focus on organizational behavior within companies but rather on administrative and bureaucratic structures in different societies.
• Woodrow Wilson:
  • Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States and a political scientist.
  • He is often credited with founding the field of public administration as an academic discipline in the United States.
  • His essay "The Study of Administration" emphasized the need for a professionalized and efficient public administration separate from political influence.

The correct answer is Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true.

Explanation: The Hawthorne Studies are more closely associated with the Human Relations Movement, not Scientific Management Theory. Scientific Management does advocate for the separation of planning and execution tasks, with managers responsible for planning and workers for executing tasks.

 Key PointsThe Hawthorne Studies are indeed more closely associated with the Human Relations Movement than with Scientific Management Theory, and understanding the distinction between these two approaches to management and organizational behavior is crucial for grasping why this is the case.

Scientific Management Theory

Developed by Frederick W. Taylor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Scientific Management Theory, also known as Taylorism, focuses on improving economic efficiency and labor productivity through scientific methods. Key principles of Scientific Management include:

• Task Specialization: Breaking down jobs into simple, repetitive tasks that can be easily learned and performed by workers.
• Standardization and Best Methods: Developing the "one best way" to perform each task through time and motion studies, and then training workers to follow these methods precisely.
• Separation of Planning and Execution: Managers are responsible for planning work processes and tasks, while workers are responsible for executing these plans. This principle creates a clear distinction between the roles of management and workers.
• Incentive Pay Systems: Implementing performance-based pay systems to motivate workers to increase their productivity.

Human Relations Movement

The Human Relations Movement emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, partly as a response to the mechanistic and impersonal aspects of Scientific Management. It gained significant momentum from the Hawthorne Studies, which were a series of experiments conducted at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in Cicero, Illinois, between 1924 and 1932.

Key findings and principles of the Human Relations Movement include:

• Social Factors in the Workplace: The Hawthorne Studies revealed that workers' productivity could be influenced more by social factors and group dynamics than by physical or environmental conditions. For example, workers performed better when they felt they were being observed or when they were part of a cohesive group.
• Importance of Employee Morale: The studies highlighted the importance of employee morale and how it is influenced by management practices, recognition, and the sense of belonging to a group.
• Leadership and Group Dynamics: The role of leadership and the dynamics of work groups were recognized as critical factors in organizational success. Managers were encouraged to foster positive group dynamics and understand the social needs of their employees.
• Employee Participation: Contrary to Scientific Management's emphasis on top-down decision-making, the Human Relations Movement suggested that involving employees in decision-making processes could lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

 Additional InformationDistinctions

• The primary distinction between Scientific Management and the Human Relations Movement lies in their focus. Scientific Management is primarily concerned with the efficiency of work processes and tasks, emphasizing the optimization of work through scientific methods. On the other hand, the Human Relations Movement focuses on the psychological and social aspects of work, advocating for the importance of employee satisfaction, motivation, and group dynamics.
• The Hawthorne Studies are associated with the Human Relations Movement because they underscored the significance of social relationships, employee morale, and the non-technical aspects of work in influencing productivity. These studies challenged the Scientific Management perspective by demonstrating that productivity is not solely determined by the physical conditions of work or the efficiency of work processes, but also by the social and psychological environment in which work takes place.

The correct answer is Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false.

Explanation: The core principle of Scientific Management is that there is "one best way" to perform every job, which can be determined through scientific methods. However, the theory has been criticized for not placing enough emphasis on worker satisfaction and well-being, focusing instead on efficiency and productivity.

 Key PointsScientific Management, often associated with Frederick W. Taylor and his work in the early 20th century, is a theory of management that analyzes and synthesizes workflows. Its main objective is to improve economic efficiency, especially labor productivity. Taylor is known as the father of Scientific Management, and his principles were designed to optimize work and productivity by applying scientific methods to the management of workers.

Core Principles of Scientific Management:

• Scientifically Study Each Part of the Task: Taylor suggested that instead of using traditional work methods, each task or job should be studied scientifically to identify the most efficient way to perform it. This involves breaking down each job into its smallest units and analyzing each to find the "one best way" to perform the job.
• Carefully Select and Then Train, Teach, and Develop the Worker: After identifying the best way to perform a task, the next step is to select workers with the right abilities for the job. These workers are then trained to perform the task according to the scientifically determined best way, which may involve new methods, tools, or machinery.
• Heartily Cooperate with the Workers: Taylor advocated for a close, cooperative relationship between management and workers. Management's role is to ensure that the work is done according to the principles of Scientific Management, while also providing the necessary support and incentives.
• Equal Division of Work and Responsibility: There should be a clear division of work and responsibility between management and workers. Management takes over all work for which it is better suited than the workers, such as planning and organizing work, while the workers carry out the tasks.

Criticisms of Scientific Management:

Despite its focus on efficiency and productivity, Scientific Management has faced significant criticism, particularly regarding its treatment of workers:

• Neglect of Worker Satisfaction and Well-being: Critics argue that Scientific Management treats workers as machines rather than human beings, focusing solely on productivity and efficiency without considering worker satisfaction, creativity, and well-being. This can lead to monotonous work and dehumanize the workplace, potentially resulting in worker dissatisfaction and low morale.
• Overemphasis on Quantitative Measures: The theory places a heavy emphasis on time and motion studies, neglecting qualitative aspects such as worker motivation, team dynamics, and the social context of work. This narrow focus can overlook factors that significantly impact productivity and workplace harmony.
• Resistance to Change: The implementation of Scientific Management often involves significant changes to work practices, which can lead to resistance from workers who may feel threatened by new methods or fear for their jobs. This resistance can undermine the effectiveness of the changes and lead to conflict between workers and management.
• Limited Scope: Critics also point out that Scientific Management applies best to simple, repetitive tasks and may not be suitable for more complex, creative, or knowledge-based work where the "one best way" of working is not easily determined or may not even exist.

 Additional Information

• While Scientific Management introduced a revolutionary approach to improving productivity and efficiency in the workplace, its narrow focus on these aspects to the detriment of worker satisfaction and well-being has led to significant criticism. Modern management theories often seek to balance efficiency with a more holistic consideration of worker needs and the broader social context of work.

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 Dwight Waldo 

Explanation:

"Public Administration in a Time of Turbulence" stands as a seminal work in the field of public administration, offering critical insights into the challenges and transformations faced by governmental institutions during periods of societal upheaval. Edited by the eminent scholar Dwight Waldo and published in 1975, this book represents a collective effort to examine the complexities of public administration amidst turbulent times, providing valuable perspectives for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike.

 Key Points

Context of Turbulence:

• The book delves into the historical, political, and social contexts that give rise to periods of turbulence within societies and their governance structures. It acknowledges that such turbulence may stem from factors such as economic instability, social unrest, technological advancements, or shifts in political ideologies.
• By contextualizing the challenges faced by public administration within broader societal trends, the book seeks to elucidate the complex interplay between governance and the dynamic forces shaping contemporary societies.

Evolving Role of Public Administration:

• One of the central themes of the book is the evolving role of public administration in responding to turbulent times. It examines how governmental institutions adapt their structures, policies, and practices to meet the changing needs and demands of society.
• The book highlights the importance of flexibility, innovation, and resilience in public administration, emphasizing the need for adaptive governance strategies that can effectively navigate periods of uncertainty and change.

Critical Analysis of Administrative Theory:

• "Public Administration in a Time of Turbulence" offers a critical analysis of prevailing administrative theories and paradigms, interrogating their relevance and applicability in turbulent contexts.
• Through rigorous examination and debate, the book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages scholars and practitioners to rethink traditional approaches to public administration in light of contemporary challenges.

Case Studies and Empirical Insights:

• The book presents a series of case studies and empirical analyses drawn from diverse geographical contexts and governmental settings. These case studies provide concrete examples of how public administration functions in times of turbulence, offering valuable lessons and insights for policymakers and practitioners.
• By grounding theoretical discussions in real-world experiences, the book enhances our understanding of the practical implications of turbulent conditions on governance processes and outcomes. 

Additional Information

Dwight Waldo, the editor of the book, was a distinguished scholar in the field of public administration, known for his interdisciplinary approach and seminal contributions to administrative theory.
As a collection of essays by leading experts in the field, "Public Administration in a Time of Turbulence" reflects the collaborative efforts of a diverse array of scholars and practitioners to address pressing issues facing public administration.
The book remains relevant today as a foundational text for understanding the complexities of governance in an increasingly turbulent world, serving as a touchstone for ongoing debates and inquiries in the field of public administration.​

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

Key Points

• Fred Riggs:
  • Fred Riggs is known for his work "The Ecology of Public Administration".
  • He contributed significantly to the field of comparative public administration.
• Yehezkel Dror:
  • Yehezkel Dror is the author of "Public Policy Making Re-examined".
  • He is a prominent figure in the study of public policy and strategic planning.
• Peter Drucker:
  • Peter Drucker is famous for his book "The Practice of Management".
  • He is often referred to as the father of modern management.
• Karl Marx:
  • Karl Marx wrote "The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte".
  • This work analyzes the rise of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte to power in France.