Politics-Administrative Dichotomy

Politics-Administrative Dichotomy

Politics administrative dichotomy delves into the management of public policy. It is an idea that advocates for the division of labor and authority between elected and executive officials (Georgiou, 2014). According to the theory’s proponents, such division allows for accountability and appropriate planning of public activities (Georgiou, 2014). Although the idea has been criticized from time to time, it is still the most used in Europe (its place of origin) and worldwide. The proponents of the politics administrative dichotomy believe that the administration of public affairs should not be part of politics. The proponents of the theory, including Wilson and Bluntschil, argue that politics and administration are two different fields (Grant, 2014). In essence, administrative management is not a political issue.

However, there is a general agreement that politics determine the administrative aspect of a country. Politicians are responsible for appointing people to various executive positions and forming public policies (Uwizeyimana, 2013). However, they should avoid the challenging task of dealing with public affairs. On the other hand, non-political technocrats are deemed to understand better the subtle issues that affect individuals and the national economy. The appointees to such positions are primarily professionals in the specific departments; thus, they better understand public issues. For instance, a professional doctor or public administrator, such as a minister of health, will deliver better than a random politician.

On the other hand, politics is a universal area requiring no specialty. A politician only needs to desire to serve in a political position (Georgiou, 2014). They are good to go as long as they convince their electorates to vote for them. In other words, politics is just a special assignment people commit to. The only challenge is to win over people, whereas administrators face technical challenges while doing their work.

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References

Georgiou, I. (2014). Seeing the Forest for the Trees: An Atlas of the Politics-Administration Dichotomy. Public Administration Review, 74(2), 156–175. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.12163

Grant, B. (2014). Leadership and the politics-administration dichotomy: A comparative study of political influences in four Florida state agencies (Doctoral dissertation, The Florida State University).

Uwizeyimana, D. E. (2013). The politics-administration dichotomy: Was Woodrow Wilson misunderstood or misquoted? Journal of US-China Public Administration, 10(2), 165-173.

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Politics-Administrative Dichotomy

Explain in your own words the politics-administration dichotomy. Describe what you can infer about the paradox (ideas of practice vs. theory). Give examples to support the argument of your side/position.