| Aspect | Developed Societies | Developing Societies |
| Role | Limited role, regulating the private sector for efficiency. | Major role in infrastructure development and social welfare. |
| Challenges | Addressing complex issues like crime with advanced technology. Eg. cyber crimes | Tackling poverty, unemployment, and low productivity. |
| Influence | Influenced by science and technology. | Influenced by underdeveloped economy and socio-economic challenges. |
| Bureaucracy | Pragmatic and production-oriented. | Oriented towards personal power, bureaucratic activity not strictly goal-directed. |
| Culture | Egalitarian and democratic culture, open to challenging opinions. | Hierarchical, superiors’ opinions not questioned. |
| Law Implementation | Capable of implementing laws effectively. | Laws often remain on paper due to weak implementation. |
| Corruption | Minimal corruption. | Widespread corruption in public administration. |
| Administrative Roles | Highly specialized and well-defined roles. | Overlapping roles, bureaucracy enjoys operational autonomy. |
(Introduction – Optional hai yha)
Traditionally, public administration had a limited role in society. However, in contemporary times, its role has greatly expanded due to following factors.
- Scientific and Technological Developments:Advancements leading to ‘big government’ and expanded public administration activities.
- Industrial Revolution:Introduction of socio-economic problems prompting government intervention.
- Transition to Welfare State:Shift from negative ‘police state’ to positive ‘welfare state’ focused on citizen welfare.
- Adoption of Economic Planning:Implementation of planning to achieve welfare state objectives, broadening public administration scope.
- Population Explosion:Increase in socio-economic challenges like slum growth and food shortages necessitating administrative action.
- Modern Warfare Nature:Greater responsibilities in mobilizing resources for modern warfare.
- Natural Calamities:Handling increased frequency of disasters due to environmental degradation.
- Social Conflict and Violence:Rising crises like class conflicts and communal riots requiring effective crisis management.
However, the expansion of functions by the modern welfare state has led to administrative lag, creating a gap between aspirations and performance. This necessitates administrative development to enhance capacity and capability through structural, procedural, and behavioral changes.
