Public Administration: Systems Theory and Global Service Models

Systems Approach to Public Administration

The systems approach explains the phenomenon of public administration by applying principles from general systems theory. Originally developed in biology, this theory now serves as a valuable viewpoint and analytical tool for understanding social phenomena and natural events. From this perspective, public administration is viewed as a set of interconnected elements that interact with their political system. It receives inputs, processes and transforms them under governmental guidance, ultimately translating them into public services and outcomes.

Public Administration as a Discipline

Defining Public Administration

• A discipline must possess its own body of postulates and theories to explain its object of study, leading to established laws and principles.
• Public administration is a distinct discipline that synthesizes knowledge from various fields to explain the phenomenon of public governance and service.
• Historically, management was considered a foundational discipline for explaining the state. Over time, it transformed, much like economics, drawing knowledge from public administration. Its principles are considered paradigms and models.
• Administration encompasses the exercise of both public administration and public service. A "role" in this context refers to a defined set of activities or tasks performed by individuals.

Public Function Models

Open Public Function Model (Latin America)

This model is characterized by the entry and exit of public administration staff being highly dependent on the political system's changes. Public officials are often appointed based on trust, and personnel policies shift with each new government. This makes the political system and public administration permeable to societal influences.

In regions like Latin America, there are often direct lines of communication between the political system and public administration at all levels.

Advantages of the Open Model:

• Governments can appoint trusted individuals.
• Potentially increased commitment from government officials.
• Apparent improvements in management units.

Disadvantages of the Open Model:

• Improvisation in human resources (HR) often leads to errors and inefficiency.
• Inability to maintain professional management due to high staff turnover.
• Political parties may view public administration as a suitable space for installing political activists and operatives.

Closed Public Function Model (Europe)

This model views public administration as a means to an end, emphasizing professionalism and technical expertise to achieve governmental objectives. It assumes the civil service is primarily technical and less responsive to direct political influence.

In practice, this model results in an administrative structure where various offices and positions are filled through rigorous public competitions. These systems, typical in Europe, can be extremely demanding.

Key Characteristics and Effects:

• Competitive Examinations: Training programs often prepare individuals for these demanding public competitions.
• Relativized Authority: While a boss holds power, their authority is often balanced by the technical expertise and independence of civil servants.
• Outcomes: This model fosters a professional and modernized public administration, leading to greater job stability and potentially better retirement benefits for civil servants.