Fundamentals of Public Administration offers a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the principles, theories, and practices shaping modern governance. Designed for students, civil service aspirants, educators, and practitioners, the book combines conceptual clarity with analytical depth. It systematically explores classical foundations and contemporary developments, supported by practical examples and critical insights. Aligned with university curricula and competitive examination requirements, it serves as a valuable guide to understanding the evolving dynamics of public administration. Above all, the book seeks to inspire informed engagement with public service, democratic governance, and administrative excellence.
Contents –
1. Introduction to Public Administration
2. Nature and Scope of Public Administration
3. Characteristic Features of Public Administration
4. Public Administration and Private Administration
5. Importance of Public Administration
6. Role of Public Administration under Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG)
7. State and Evolution of Public Administration
8. Relationship with other Social Sciences
(a) Sociology
(b) Law
(c) Political Science
(d) Economic
(e) Psychology
9. Principles of Organisation
(a) Hierarchy
(b) Decision Making
(c) Supervision
(d) Communication
10. Oriental Approach: Kautilya
11. The Politics-Administration Dichotomy: Woodrow Wilson
12. Principles of Administration: Henri Fayol
13. Organisational Principles: Luther Gulick and Lyndall Urwick
14. Scientific Management Approach: F. W. Taylor
15. Bureaucratic Approach: Max Weber and Karl Marx
16. Human Relations Approach: Elton Mayo
17. Behavioural Approach: Herbert A. Simon
18. Socio-Psychological Approach: Abraham Maslow
19. Socio-Psychological Approach: Douglas McGregor
20. Administrative Ecology: F.W. Riggs
21. Social Justice Approach: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
22. Comparative Public Administration
23. Development Administration
24, Public Choice Theory
25. Minnowbrook Conference – I, II and III
26. New Public Management
27. New Public Service
Foundational Ideas of Public Administration
Abbreviations
References
