Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Development Administration, emerging prominently in the post-World War II era, initially signified the application of management principles to accelerate economic and social progress in developing nations. Rooted in modernization theory, it aimed to transplant Western administrative models to achieve rapid development. However, this approach faced criticism for its inherent biases and limited success. Consequently, the field evolved, incorporating diverse perspectives like dependency theory, participatory development, and good governance. Thus, the term 'Development Administration' today is best understood not as a rigid doctrine, but as a broad umbrella encompassing a variety of approaches and viewpoints reflecting the complexities of development itself.
The Early Phase: Positivism and Transplantation (1950s-1960s)
The initial phase of Development Administration was heavily influenced by the positivist school of thought. It assumed that development could be achieved through the application of universal principles of administration, largely borrowed from the Western, particularly American, experience. Key features included:
- Emphasis on centralized planning: Governments played a dominant role in directing economic activity.
- Focus on technical assistance: Experts from developed countries were brought in to transfer knowledge and skills.
- Belief in linear progress: Development was seen as a sequential process, moving from traditional to modern societies.
This approach, exemplified by the Ford Foundation’s programs in India and other developing countries in the 1950s, often overlooked local contexts and socio-political realities.
The Critique and the Rise of Alternative Perspectives (1970s-1980s)
The 1970s witnessed a growing critique of the earlier approach. Dependency theory, championed by scholars like Andre Gunder Frank, argued that underdevelopment was not an internal problem but a result of the exploitative relationship between developed and developing countries. This led to:
- Increased focus on structural issues: Addressing inequalities in the global economic system became central.
- Emphasis on self-reliance: Developing countries were encouraged to reduce their dependence on foreign aid and investment.
- The emergence of participatory approaches: Recognizing the importance of local knowledge and involvement in development projects.
The Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) launched in India in 1980, while still government-led, represented a shift towards a more integrated and participatory approach compared to earlier sectoral programs.
The Era of Good Governance and Sustainable Development (1990s-Present)
The 1990s saw the rise of the ‘good governance’ agenda, promoted by international organizations like the World Bank and the IMF. This emphasized:
- Accountability and transparency: Promoting open and accountable governance structures.
- Rule of law: Strengthening legal frameworks and institutions.
- Decentralization: Transferring power and resources to local levels (73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts in India, 1992-93).
- Sustainable development: Integrating environmental concerns into development planning (Brundtland Report, 1987).
Today, Development Administration is characterized by a multi-faceted approach, incorporating elements of neo-liberalism, participatory governance, and sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2015 exemplify this holistic approach.
The Variety of Approaches
The diverse approaches can be summarized as follows:
| Approach | Key Features | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Modernization | Top-down, technical assistance, linear progress | Ignores local context, culturally insensitive |
| Dependency Theory | Focus on structural inequalities, self-reliance | Can be overly deterministic, may neglect internal factors |
| Participatory Development | Local involvement, empowerment, bottom-up planning | Can be time-consuming, may face resistance from elites |
| Good Governance | Accountability, transparency, rule of law | Can be imposed from outside, may lack local ownership |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the term 'Development Administration' has indeed evolved to encompass a broad spectrum of approaches. From its initial focus on transplanting Western models, it has broadened to incorporate diverse perspectives acknowledging the complexities of development. The field now recognizes the importance of context-specificity, participatory governance, and sustainable practices. The ongoing challenge lies in integrating these diverse approaches effectively to achieve inclusive and equitable development, adapting strategies to the unique circumstances of each nation and community.
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.