PAP 2320 - Midterm 1 (topic 1-3)

TOPIC 1

UNDERTSANDING PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

What is public management?

The practical side of governing—how policies are made, implemented, and evaluated, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness.

What is public administration?

The study of government structures, institutions, policies, and rules that guide bureaucracies.

What is politics?

The process of deciding what the government should do; about values, priorities, and direction rather than day-to-day operations.

What are the expectations of public management?

Efficient services, social welfare, economic stability, crisis management, and responsible use of resources.

How does Canadian public management function?

Canada has maintained a mixed economy (The private sector and public sector)

What are two reasons for the decline in Canada's public administration?

1) Privatization (1980s Mulroney government) 2) Deficit reduction and austerity (1990s Chrétien government)

what is Privatization initiatives (Mulroney government, 1980s)

The Mulroney government sold off government-owned companies to the private sector (example: Air Canada, Petro-Canada).

what were the Deficit reduction measures (Chrétien government, mid-1990s)

Canada had very large deficits (spending more than it earned). The Chrétien government cut spending, reduced transfers to provinces, and restructured programs to balance the budget.

How did welfare continue despite the decline in public administration?

Major social programs like Medicare, Canada Health Act, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and national child care persisted.

What is the debate around Canada's public administration?

Whether Canada should expand programs (pro-expansion) or limit government involvement (anti-expansion)

What is the ideological approach in public management, and does it support or oppose expansion?

Looks at political ideas. Conservatives usually oppose expansion, social democrats support it, and liberals/centrists support some programs if affordable.

What is the federal institutions and power approach, and does it support or oppose expansion?

Looks at the PM, Cabinet, and government power. Strong PM/Cabinet can expand programs; weak agreement or conflicts stop expansion.

What is the public sector management approach, and does it support or oppose expansion?

Looks at how managers run government programs. Good managers make expansion easier; complex or expensive programs make it harder.

What is the financial management approach, and does it support or oppose expansion?

Looks at money, budgets, and deficits. If there's money available, programs can expand; if budgets are tight, expansion is blocked.

What is the human resources approach, and does it support or oppose expansion?

Looks at staff and skills. Skilled staff help expand programs; too few or untrained staff make it hard.

What is the public sector reforms approach, and does it support or oppose expansion?

Looks at changes like digital tools or efficiency programs. Innovation helps expansion; privatization or cutting government stops it.

What is the accountability and ethics approach, and does it support or oppose expansion?

ooks at trust and rules. Strong accountability helps programs grow; scandals or bad ethics block expansion.

What is the leadership approach, and does it support or oppose expansion?

Looks at leaders and their decisions. Visionary leaders push expansion; cautious leaders avoid big programs.

How did public management develop?

It grew as governments expanded in the 19th-20th centuries, requiring systematic administration and study of bureaucracies.

How did different countries develop public administrations?

Germany & France - Needed strong, organized bureaucracies to unify the state, collect taxes, enforce laws, and run services.

United States - Focused on how to keep government effective, accountable, and professional in a democracy with multiple government levels.

Britain - Saw government as a tool to gradually improve society and deliver welfare through careful administration.

Canada - Learned from the US and Britain, slowly adapting ideas, while initially overlooking Canada's unique bilingual, regional, and federal challenges.

Why was the study focused on bureaucracies?

They ensured consistent policy implementation, collected key data, and created order using rules and procedures.

What are the main reasons public management and bureaucracies grew?

1) Territorial consolidation 2) Industrialization 3) Urbanization 4) Rise of labour markets 5) Market-based societies

What is the Canadian paradox?

Canadians distrust government bureaucracy but strongly support its programs and services.

What are myths and facts behind the Canadian paradox?

Myth: Public servants are overpaid → Fact: Salaries are average; senior managers earn less than private sector.

Myth: Public services are inferior → Fact: Public services often perform as well or better.

Myth: Government is uniquely incompetent → Fact: Many programs succeed; inefficiency exists in private sector too.

What role do feelings play in the Canadian paradox?

Subjective concerns about waste, slowness, bureaucracy, transparency, accountability, and costs create distrust.

Why is leadership important in the Canadian paradox?

Leadership bridges policy and action, turning government goals into results and maintaining public trust.

What do the Canadian government and people both want?

Accountability, efficient and effective programs, lawful implementation, and responsiveness to social needs.

What does leadership determine/do in government?

Sets agenda, assigns responsibilities, defines objectives, ensures accountability, coordinates stakeholders, and manages execution.

What are good leadership traits?

Lateral thinking, evidence-based, adaptive, responsible, innovative, resource-efficient, complexity-aware.

What are bad leadership traits?

Narrow thinking, ignores evidence, blames others, resists change, wastes resources, oversimplifies problems.

What do some argue against leadership being central to government?

Bureaucracies are resilient (dont need them), perception can matter more than actual leadership performance.

What do some argue for leadership being central to government?

gives a clear vision, builds strong positive culture of organization, give direction help bureaucracies achieve goals effectively.

What is Norman Dixon's theory of bureaucracy?

Organizations fail despite good intentions

why do organizations fail in Normans thoery?

Wasting resources

Sticking to outdated traditions

Narrow thinking

Underestimating problems

Believing in simple solutions

Ignoring evidence

Discouraging critical thinking

Hiding bad news

Indecision and panic

Scapegoating

What are the three pillars of good management?

1) Aim - Clear mission and strategy

2) Character - Trust, communication, motivation

3) Execution - Turning plans into results efficiently.

What are expectations for the future of Canada's management?

1) Ministerial responsibility remains central

2) Senior public servants remains influential

3) PMO power continues to be debated/grow

4) Judicial review grows

5) Social responsiveness remains expected

6) Accountability remains essential

7) Effective leadership remains necessary

Who is Ian Brodie and what did he try to do?

Chief of Staff to Harper (2006-2008), hemanaged PMO files while balancing personal life and leadership challenges.

What two issues did Ian Brodie reflect on?

Afghanistan Mission and "NAFTAgate" Scandal

what was the Afghanistan mission?

A review panel said Canada could stay in Afghanistan only if other NATO countries sent more troops. Harper tried to get support from NATO leaders. France showed some interest but wasn’t committed. The U.S. strongly supported Canada and helped push other allies to help.

what was the "NAFTAgate" Scandal?

After the federal budget in 2008, the Harper government expected positive attention. Soon after, media reports suggested that Ian Brodie had told U.S. diplomats that Obama and Clinton were exaggerating their criticisms of NAFTA for political gain. This caused a major political controversy in the U.S. during the Ohio primary, making it look like Canada was interfering in the American election.

What conclusions did Brodie make on leadership in government?

- scandals paralyze government

- poor coordination/misinformation doesnt stop with good intentions

- ethical leadership matters

- government decisons require complex coordination, its not just about power to be effective leader.

TOPIC 2

THEORIES OF AND APPROACHES TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

What is the debate on whether the government should be run as a business?

Citizens sometimes see government as slow, costly, and bureaucratic. Politicians use this perception to promise 'running government like a business' to gain support.

What is the private sector?

Businesses and organizations that are profit-seeking, prioritize financial performance, compete for resources and customers, and operate primarily for owners/shareholders.

What is the public sector?

Government agencies providing public goods and services, focusing on societal goals, long-term outcomes, legal obligations, citizen rights, and accountability rather than profit.

What are similarities between the private and public sector?

1) Both have hierarchical organizations

2) Both coordinate resources (labour, money, knowledge)

3) Both navigate inter-organizational networks

4) Neither inherently guarantees efficiency or innovation.

What are the differences between the public and private sector?

1) Profit motive vs. public service

2) Privacy vs. accountability

3) Consumerism vs. rights/entitlements

4) Simple vs. complex chain of command

5) Duty of workers: organization vs. societal/public interest.

What are the three duties of public servants?

1) Uphold the law

2) Promote the public service

3) Serve the public interest.

What is management?

A system of interconnected roles and responsibilities

Who is Fayol and what did he contribute to management?

Henri Fayol, pioneer of management theory, identified five core management functions: Planning, Organizing, Commanding, Coordinating, Controlling.

What are the two main frameworks that expand on Fayol's five management functions?

1) Luther Gulick's POSDCORB 2) Henry Mintzberg's managerial roles.

What is Gulick's POSDCORB?

A framework for management: Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting, Budgeting.

What is Mintzberg's managerial roles?

Ten roles grouped into: Interpersonal (figurehead, liaison, leader), Informational (monitor, disseminator, spokesperson), Decisional (entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator, negotiator).

What are the two organizational models?

1) Structural-Mechanistic Model (Weberian Bureaucracy) 2) Organic-Humanistic Model.

What is the structural-mechanic model?

A Weberian bureaucracy emphasizing hierarchy and rules to be efficient and structured.

What is Weber's bureaucracy and why does he think it's good?

his ideal view on bureaucracies, as being efficient, predictable, consistent, professional and rational

What are the key features of the structural mechanic model?

1) Hierarchy 2) Unity of command 3) Specialization of labor 4) Merit-based hiring/promotion 5) Full-time positions 6) Impersonal decision-making 7) Written records 8) Authority belongs to position, not person.

What are the cons of the structural mechanic model?

1) Impersonal/intimidating 2) Rigid rules 3) Paperwork overload 4) Slow and bureaucratic (red tape).

What are Taylor and Gulick/Urwick's developments off of the structural mechanic model?

Taylor: Scientific Management—focus on efficiency, standardization, and task optimization by making "one best way" and everyone follows it.

Gulick/Urwick: Scientific Administration—focus on organizational structure by building on POSDCORB and the concept of span of control.

What does span of control entail?

Number of subordinates a manager can effectively supervise.

Narrow span → many levels (tall hierarchy)

broad span → fewer levels (flat hierarchy).

What do both Taylor and Gulick/Urwick assume about organization?

Organizations function like machines and it can be treated as a science (which isnt really always true)

What is the humanistic model and why was it created?

A response to rigid bureaucracy; focuses on people, motivation, participation, and relationships to improve performance and morale.

What did Mary Parker Follett contribute to the humanistic model?

Power works best through collaboration and participation rather than strict authority.

What did the Hawthorne Studies reveal?

Productivity is influenced by social/psychological factors and informal group relationships.

What did Chester Barnard contribute to the humanistic model?

Success depends on communication and employees connecting to organizational goals.

What did Maslow contribute to the humanistic model?

Hierarchy of needs affects motivation: basic → safety → social → esteem → self-actualization.

What did Douglas McGregor contribute to the humanistic model?

Theory X: workers lazy, need control; Theory Y: workers capable, motivated, benefit from participation.

What did Herbert Simon contribute to the humanistic model?

Managers need judgment/flexibility; rules alone can't handle every situation.

What did Chris Argyris contribute to the humanistic model?

Employees grow and perform better when supported and involved.

What did Peter Drucker contribute to the humanistic model?

Involving employees in decision-making increases commitment and utilizes knowledge.

What are the cons of the organic humanistic model?

1) Can slow routine work 2) Raises employee expectations 3) Makes accountability harder.

What is departmentalization?

Dividing an organization into manageable units/departments for efficiency and clarity.

What are four ways departmentalization can be structured?

1) Purpose/Function 2) Process/Activity 3) Persons/Clients 4) Place/Geography.

What is line function vs staff function?

Line: directly performs core work (e.g., teachers); Staff: supports line functions (e.g., HR, legal, accounting).

What are the four methods of decision-making?

1) Incrementalism 2) Rationalism 3) Bounded Rationalism 4) Mixed Scanning.

What is Incrementalism?

Small, practical adjustments built on past decisions.

Pros: easy, low risk.

Cons: resists innovation, may ignore complex problems.

What is Rationalism?

Careful planning, clear goals, all options considered.

Pros: can produce optimal decisions.

Cons: impractical, time-consuming, 'analysis paralysis.'

What is Bounded Rationalism?

Decisions aim for 'good enough' due to limits in time, info, resources. Practical, realistic approach.

What is Mixed Scanning?

Combines incrementalism for routine decisions and rationalism for major decisions. Balances practicality with analysis.

What are the three theories used to explain motives behind decisions?

1) Public Choice Theory 2) Bureaucratic Politics Theory 3) Policy Network Theory.

What is Public Choice Theory?

Decision-makers act in self-interest (career, political gain), not purely public interest.

What is Bureaucratic Politics Theory?

Decisions result from inter-department bargaining and power struggles.

What is Policy Network Theory?

Decisions influenced by networks of actors: NGOs, interest groups, stakeholders.

What is New Public Management (NPM)?

1980s trend: government adopts business practices for efficiency.

What are key features of NPM?

1) Competition between agencies 2) Performance measurement 3) Market-like mechanisms (contracts, outsourcing) 4) Managerial autonomy 5) Citizens treated as clients, focus on outcomes.

What is New Public Governance (NPG)?

Modern approach: decision-making across networks, collaboration, and executive/political influence.

What are key features of NPG?

1) Networks replace hierarchies with multiple actors 2) Political priorities dominate administrative rules 3) Executive power concentrated and political staff have influence 4) Focus on loyalty, and governing party alignment.

TOPIC 3

POLITICAL DIMENSIONS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

What are government decisions based on?

Ideas, interests, and values.

What do you need to understand government decisions?

Political ideologies, public opinion, institutional constraints, and competing views about the role of the state.

What are the three big questions around government decisions?

1. What kind of society do we want? 2. How much government involvement is appropriate? 3. How do we balance individual freedom with collective responsibility?

What are Canada's two main competing views?

Hostility toward large government and hostility toward minimal government.

What is centrism in Canada?

A political approach that balances state intervention and market freedom leading it to dominate as the middle ground

How do Canadian governments often compromise politically?

By partially implementing ambitious agendas while balancing ideological goals with public opinion, fiscal limits, and institutional constraints.

What is political discourse?

The way political ideas, values, and debates about government, society, and the economy are discussed and contested.

What are the three types of political discourse?

1. Conservatism 2. Social Democracy 3. Liberalism

What is conservatism?

An ideology emphasizing individual liberty, minimal government, free markets, and personal responsibility.

What is conservatism's take on state roles?

Governs least; supports private sector.

What is conservatism's economic policy?

Minimal regulation; free enterprise and trade.