Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The British administrative tradition, deeply rooted in centuries of imperial governance, is often characterized by a pragmatic approach. However, to view it solely as a system focused on efficiency would be a simplification. A closer examination reveals a consistent, though evolving, attempt to unify the ‘science of administration’ – principles of organization, efficiency, and control – with ‘ethics’ – considerations of fairness, accountability, and public service. This unification wasn’t always explicit, but it permeated the development of administrative thought from the early common law traditions to the reforms of the 19th and 20th centuries. This answer will analyze how British philosophy of administration has historically strived for this unification.
Early Foundations: Common Law and Moral Obligations (Pre-1830s)
Prior to the 19th century, British administration was largely characterized by a personalized, patronage-based system. The foundation lay in the common law tradition, which emphasized precedent and customary practices. While not explicitly ‘scientific’, this period was heavily influenced by a strong sense of moral obligation and duty among public servants. Officials were expected to act in the public interest, guided by notions of natural justice and fairness. The concept of ‘due process’ and the rule of law, central to British legal thought, inherently incorporated ethical considerations. However, this system lacked standardization and was prone to corruption and inefficiency.
The Rise of Scientific Administration (1830s-1900s)
The 19th century witnessed the growing influence of utilitarianism, particularly through the writings of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Utilitarianism, advocating for the ‘greatest happiness for the greatest number’, provided a philosophical justification for administrative reforms aimed at maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. This marked the beginning of the ‘science of administration’ in Britain.
- Northcote-Trevelyan Report (1853): This landmark report advocated for a merit-based civil service, replacing patronage with competitive examinations. This was a significant step towards professionalizing administration and enhancing efficiency.
- Woodstock Commission (1877): Further emphasized the importance of impartiality and anonymity in the civil service, reinforcing the idea of a neutral bureaucracy.
However, even during this period of increasing scientific management, ethical considerations weren’t entirely absent. The emphasis on impartiality and anonymity was, in part, motivated by a desire to prevent corruption and ensure fairness. The concept of ‘public service’ was still valued, although increasingly framed in terms of duty and efficiency rather than personal morality.
The 20th Century and Beyond: Reconciling Science and Ethics
The 20th century saw a growing recognition of the limitations of a purely ‘scientific’ approach to administration. The two World Wars and the rise of the welfare state created new challenges that demanded a more nuanced understanding of public administration. The focus shifted towards accountability, responsiveness, and citizen participation.
- Frank Committee Report (1972): Critiqued the anonymity and rigidity of the British civil service, advocating for greater openness and accountability.
- Next Steps Agencies (1980s): Introduced a more market-oriented approach to public service delivery, emphasizing performance targets and customer service.
- New Public Management (NPM): While focused on efficiency, NPM also incorporated elements of ethical management, such as codes of conduct and ethical training for civil servants.
More recently, there's been a growing emphasis on ‘public value’ and ‘ethical leadership’ in British public administration. The focus is no longer simply on delivering services efficiently, but on ensuring that those services contribute to the well-being of society and are delivered in a fair and transparent manner. The rise of scrutiny from parliamentary committees and the media has also increased the pressure on public servants to act ethically.
Comparative Perspective: British vs. American Approaches
While both British and American administrative thought initially embraced the ‘science of administration’, they diverged in their emphasis on ethics. American scholars like Woodrow Wilson, in his 1887 essay “The Study of Administration,” argued for a strict separation of politics and administration, prioritizing efficiency above all else. The British tradition, however, maintained a stronger connection between administration and ethical considerations, rooted in its historical emphasis on the rule of law and public service.
| Feature | British Administration | American Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis | Unification of science & ethics | Separation of politics & administration; efficiency |
| Historical Roots | Common Law, Moral Obligations | Pragmatism, Efficiency |
| Accountability | Parliamentary & Public Scrutiny | Political Accountability |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the British philosophy of administration has consistently sought to balance the demands of efficiency with the imperatives of ethics. While the emphasis on ‘science of administration’ grew significantly in the 19th and 20th centuries, ethical considerations were never entirely absent. The evolution of British administrative thought demonstrates a continuous process of adaptation and refinement, reflecting a recognition that effective governance requires not only technical expertise but also a strong commitment to public service, fairness, and accountability. The ongoing challenges of globalization, technological change, and increasing public expectations will continue to shape this dynamic interplay between science and ethics in British public administration.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.