Before trying to detail some of the similarities between public and private administration, it is necessary to take a brief look at some of the differences. One of the three main differences is found in the purpose of either type of administration. While private administration usually works towards a clearly defined goal, namely the improvement of efficiency and productivity, in order to increase profits; public administration tends to have the more ambiguous goal of enacting public policies.
This leads straight into the second difference, namely decision making. Within private administrations, decisions are being made 'at the top', then passed down and enacted. This 'chain of command' avoids any conflict of interest and results in a clearly defined goal. Public administration, on the other hand, decisions are made within a political, democratic environment. This means that each decision has to undergo a process of debate and a consensus must be achieved on every level within the decision making hierarchy.
Then, of course, there is the question of visibility. While the head of a private administration may work in a state of relative obscurity, the head of a public administration constantly operates in public view and has to be aware of and respond to public demands.
So what are the similarities between public and private administration?
Public administration can be defined as the organization and management of the government, government offices and public sector companies, the work required is often paper and computer based and requires a lot of administrative work. Private administration is the organization and administrative work within a private sector company.
This leads straight into the second difference, namely decision making. Within private administrations, decisions are being made 'at the top', then passed down and enacted. This 'chain of command' avoids any conflict of interest and results in a clearly defined goal. Public administration, on the other hand, decisions are made within a political, democratic environment. This means that each decision has to undergo a process of debate and a consensus must be achieved on every level within the decision making hierarchy.
Then, of course, there is the question of visibility. While the head of a private administration may work in a state of relative obscurity, the head of a public administration constantly operates in public view and has to be aware of and respond to public demands.
So what are the similarities between public and private administration?
- Both are regulated and affected by political laws and regulations.
- Both are used to improve effectiveness and productivity of an organization.
- Both have to fight for influence and funding.
- Both must operate as cost-effectively as possible.
- Both answer to higher authorities and are held responsible for their actions.
- Both work within a set of rules determined by the authorities above them.
Public administration can be defined as the organization and management of the government, government offices and public sector companies, the work required is often paper and computer based and requires a lot of administrative work. Private administration is the organization and administrative work within a private sector company.
- Similarities
- Differences
- Further resources