Woodrow Wilson’s Call for the Study of Public Administration

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, played a pivotal role in initiating a call for the study of public administration in the late 19th century. This article delves into the context, purpose, and key arguments presented by Wilson in his influential article, “The Study of Administration,” published in 1887.

Background of Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson was an American politician, academic, and university administrator who served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Before his presidency, Wilson had a distinguished career as a political scientist and educator, serving as the President of Princeton University from 1902 to 1910.

“The Study of Administration”

In 1887, Wilson published an article titled “The Study of Administration” in Political Science Quarterly. This article is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field of public administration and laid the foundation for the study of public administration as a distinct discipline.

Purpose of the Study

Wilson’s article aimed to address the increasing complexity of society and the corresponding issues of public policy that required administrative methods of government. He argued that questions of administration were of more practical importance to the function of American government than constitutional questions.

Subject Matter of the Study

Wilson explored the subject matter of the study of public administration, emphasizing the need to determine the best methods for developing it and the political conceptions required for its study. He highlighted the importance of understanding the history of public administration and identifying its proper scope and boundaries.

Need for Administrative Government

Wilson argued that the increasing complexity of society and public policy issues necessitated the use of administrative methods in government. He contended that traditional constitutional questions were no longer of immediate practical moment and that the focus should shift towards developing effective administrative mechanisms to address the challenges of modern governance.

Administrative and Political Government

Wilson emphasized the distinction between administrative government and political government. He argued that administrative government should be separate from political government, with political officials setting tasks and goals for administrators to carry out and implement. This separation, he believed, would ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative functions.

Conclusion

Woodrow Wilson’s call for the study of public administration in “The Study of Administration” had a profound impact on the development of the field. His arguments for the separation of administrative and political government, the need for administrative methods to address societal complexity, and the importance of studying public administration as a distinct discipline laid the foundation for the modern field of public administration. Wilson’s insights continue to be relevant today, as governments worldwide grapple with the challenges of effective and efficient governance in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

FAQs

Who was Woodrow Wilson?

Woodrow Wilson was an American politician, academic, and university administrator who served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921.

What was the significance of Woodrow Wilson’s call for the study of public administration?

Wilson’s call for the study of public administration in his 1887 article, “The Study of Administration,” laid the foundation for the modern field of public administration as a distinct discipline.

What were the main arguments presented by Woodrow Wilson in his article?

Wilson argued for the separation of administrative and political government, the need for administrative methods to address societal complexity, and the importance of studying public administration as a distinct discipline.

Why did Wilson believe that administrative government should be separate from political government?

Wilson believed that separating administrative and political government would ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative functions, as it would prevent political interference in the day-to-day operations of government.

What did Wilson see as the primary purpose of the study of public administration?

Wilson believed that the study of public administration should focus on discovering what government can properly and successfully do and how it can do these things with the utmost efficiency and at the least possible cost.

According to Wilson, what were the key challenges facing public administration in the late 19th century?

Wilson argued that the increasing complexity of society and public policy issues required the use of administrative methods in government, as traditional constitutional questions were no longer of immediate practical moment.

How did Wilson’s call for the study of public administration impact the development of the field?

Wilson’s article had a profound impact on the development of the field of public administration. His arguments for the separation of administrative and political government, the need for administrative methods to address societal complexity, and the importance of studying public administration as a distinct discipline laid the foundation for the modern field of public administration.

Are Wilson’s insights still relevant today?

Yes, Wilson’s insights continue to be relevant today, as governments worldwide grapple with the challenges of effective and efficient governance in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.