(Video Lecture) Public Administration : Public Choice Approach

Paper - I

Administrative Theory

Topic of Discussion : Public Choice Approach

Essentially, a critique of the bureaucratic model of administration, the public choice approach deals with the possibility of institutional pluralism in the provision of public goods and services. 

Plurality of governments and public agencies is supported on the ground of consumers’ preferences. 

Vincent Ostrom one of the protagonists of the pubic choice school, sets a concept of ‘democratic administration’ alongside the conventional idea of bureaucratic administration.

Two underlying assumptions have been: (a) individuals act rationally with adequate information and ordered preferences; and (b) individuals are utility maximizers. They seek more satisfaction for the same on outlay. 

The essential question raised by public choice advocates is: how far politics and administration can be treated as an exchange relationship as in economic dealings. While the theory has drawn timely attention to the failings of autonomous bureaucracy, it is too sweeping a statement that takes values and public spiritedness completely out of administration. Replacement of public administration by market exchange is too simplistic an idea to be taken seriously.

Questions : (1) Public choice is concerned with "Pareto optimality", or at least with "Pareto improvements".' Comment and give your arguements. 

Online Crash Course for Public Administration Mains Examination

Public Administration Study Kit For Mains Examination

Public Administration Test Series For IAS Mains Exam  

Mind Maps for UPSC Public Administration (Public Choice Approach) 

Courtesy : Lecture by Uma Medury, Faculty of Public Administration, School of Social Sciences &  Dr. Jaya Chaturvedi , Faculty of Public Administration , Under Tele-Counciling Session, IGNOU,  New Delhi