Public Administration MCQ Quiz in বাংলা - Objective Question with Answer for Public Administration - বিনামূল্যে ডাউনলোড করুন [PDF]

The correct answer is '(A), (B) and (D) Only'

Key Points

• Rational Choice Theory's impact on Public Administration:
  • Rational Choice Theory (RCT) posits that individuals make decisions by maximizing utility based on personal preferences and constraints.
  • This theory has influenced various areas of public administration by emphasizing efficiency, cost-benefit analysis, and individual choice.
• Organization Behaviour:
  • RCT has influenced organizational behavior by promoting an understanding of how individuals make decisions within organizations.
  • It helps in designing incentive structures and understanding employee motivations.
• Local Government:
  • In local government, RCT has guided the design of policies and programs that align with the preferences and behaviors of local constituents.
  • It emphasizes decentralization and local decision-making to improve efficiency and responsiveness.
• Theory of Democratic Administration:
  • RCT has contributed to the theory of democratic administration by providing frameworks for understanding voter behavior, public choice, and electoral competition.
  • It emphasizes the role of rational actors in democratic processes and the design of democratic institutions.

Additional Information

• Public Service Delivery:
  • While RCT has implications for public service delivery, it is more directly applied to organizational behavior, local government, and democratic administration.
  • Public service delivery often involves considerations beyond individual rationality, such as equity and social justice.

The correct answer is 'A, B, C, E Only'

Key Points

• Anthony Smith's Contribution:
  • Anthony Smith wrote the book "The Ethnic Origins of Nations".
  • This work is significant in the study of nationalism, focusing on the role of ethnic communities in the formation of nations.
• Ernest Gellner's Nationalism:
  • Ernest Gellner emphasized his ideas of nationalism in his book "Nations and Nationalism."
  • Gellner's theory posits that nationalism is a product of modernity and industrialization.
• Malcom X's Rediscovery of Africa:
  • Malcom X argued for the rediscovery of Africa as a spiritual and cultural homeland.
  • This perspective is crucial for understanding the African American experience and the broader Pan-African movement.
• Eric Hobsbawm's Invented Traditions:
  • Eric Hobsbawm highlighted the idea of "invented traditions."
  • This concept explains how traditions are often modern creations that serve specific social and political purposes.

Additional Information

• John Locke's General Will:
  • The statement that John Locke's idea of General Will was the seed from which nationalist doctrines sprang during the French Revolution of 1789 is incorrect.
  • In fact, the concept of General Will is attributed to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, not John Locke.

The correct answer is Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true.

Explanation: The Hawthorne Studies are more closely associated with the Human Relations Movement, not Scientific Management Theory. Scientific Management does advocate for the separation of planning and execution tasks, with managers responsible for planning and workers for executing tasks.

 Key PointsThe Hawthorne Studies are indeed more closely associated with the Human Relations Movement than with Scientific Management Theory, and understanding the distinction between these two approaches to management and organizational behavior is crucial for grasping why this is the case.

Scientific Management Theory

Developed by Frederick W. Taylor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Scientific Management Theory, also known as Taylorism, focuses on improving economic efficiency and labor productivity through scientific methods. Key principles of Scientific Management include:

• Task Specialization: Breaking down jobs into simple, repetitive tasks that can be easily learned and performed by workers.
• Standardization and Best Methods: Developing the "one best way" to perform each task through time and motion studies, and then training workers to follow these methods precisely.
• Separation of Planning and Execution: Managers are responsible for planning work processes and tasks, while workers are responsible for executing these plans. This principle creates a clear distinction between the roles of management and workers.
• Incentive Pay Systems: Implementing performance-based pay systems to motivate workers to increase their productivity.

Human Relations Movement

The Human Relations Movement emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, partly as a response to the mechanistic and impersonal aspects of Scientific Management. It gained significant momentum from the Hawthorne Studies, which were a series of experiments conducted at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in Cicero, Illinois, between 1924 and 1932.

Key findings and principles of the Human Relations Movement include:

• Social Factors in the Workplace: The Hawthorne Studies revealed that workers' productivity could be influenced more by social factors and group dynamics than by physical or environmental conditions. For example, workers performed better when they felt they were being observed or when they were part of a cohesive group.
• Importance of Employee Morale: The studies highlighted the importance of employee morale and how it is influenced by management practices, recognition, and the sense of belonging to a group.
• Leadership and Group Dynamics: The role of leadership and the dynamics of work groups were recognized as critical factors in organizational success. Managers were encouraged to foster positive group dynamics and understand the social needs of their employees.
• Employee Participation: Contrary to Scientific Management's emphasis on top-down decision-making, the Human Relations Movement suggested that involving employees in decision-making processes could lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

 Additional InformationDistinctions

• The primary distinction between Scientific Management and the Human Relations Movement lies in their focus. Scientific Management is primarily concerned with the efficiency of work processes and tasks, emphasizing the optimization of work through scientific methods. On the other hand, the Human Relations Movement focuses on the psychological and social aspects of work, advocating for the importance of employee satisfaction, motivation, and group dynamics.
• The Hawthorne Studies are associated with the Human Relations Movement because they underscored the significance of social relationships, employee morale, and the non-technical aspects of work in influencing productivity. These studies challenged the Scientific Management perspective by demonstrating that productivity is not solely determined by the physical conditions of work or the efficiency of work processes, but also by the social and psychological environment in which work takes place.

The correct answer is Dictatorship.

Explanation: Building morale in the workplace is crucial for fostering a positive and productive environment. The factors you mentioned—job satisfaction, facilities, and job training—play significant roles in achieving high morale among employees. Here's how each factor contributes:

Key Points

1. Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction refers to how content an individual is with their job. It's a key component in building morale for several reasons:

• Fulfillment: When employees find their work fulfilling, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This can come from doing work that aligns with personal values, interests, or professional goals.
• Recognition: Feeling recognized and valued for one's contributions boosts self-esteem and satisfaction. Regular feedback and acknowledgment of achievements can enhance this feeling.
• Work-life Balance: Ensuring employees have a healthy balance between work and personal life contributes to job satisfaction, reducing burnout and increasing overall happiness.

2. Facilities
The physical work environment and the facilities provided by an organization can significantly impact employee morale:

• Comfort and Safety: A comfortable, safe, and healthy workplace ensures employees can perform their tasks effectively without health risks or discomfort, leading to higher satisfaction and morale.
• Resources and Tools: Providing the necessary tools, technology, and resources enables employees to complete their work efficiently and effectively, reducing frustration and increasing job satisfaction.
• Amenities: Additional amenities like recreational areas, cafeterias, or fitness centers can contribute to a more enjoyable work environment, making employees feel valued and cared for by the organization.

3. Job Training
Offering job training and development opportunities is crucial for morale for several reasons:

• Skill Development: Continuous learning and skill development help employees stay relevant in their fields, increasing their confidence and satisfaction with their career progression.
• Career Advancement: Providing training that supports career advancement shows employees that the organization is invested in their growth, leading to higher engagement and loyalty.
• Adaptability: Training employees to adapt to new technologies, processes, or methodologies keeps the workforce agile and prepared for changes, reducing anxiety and resistance to change.

 Additional Information

• Building morale involves creating a work environment where employees feel satisfied with their jobs, have the necessary facilities and resources to perform their duties effectively, and receive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• High morale leads to increased productivity, lower turnover rates, and a more positive workplace culture.

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Robert Denhardt was an American academic who developed influential new public management theories.
• He advocated a shift from bureaucratic administration to citizen-centric governance.
• Denhardt argued for empowering citizens, serving the public interest, and building civic engagement.
• He critiqued the traditional focus on hierarchical control, privatization and market-based approaches.
• His writings emphasized collaboration, ethics, democracy and human dimensions of public administration.

Additional Information 

Statement 1 is incorrect: Denhardt actually critiqued market-based reforms and privatization in public administration.

Statement 2 is correct: He argued the bureaucratic model focuses excessively on hierarchical control rather than serving citizens.

Statement 3 is correct: His theories emphasized decentralization, participation and empowerment of citizens in decision-making.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect Denhardt's advocacy of citizen-centric governance through engagement and empowerment. Statement 1 contradicts his philosophy which eschewed market-driven reforms.

In summary, Denhardt highlighted the shortcomings of traditional bureaucracy and argued for democratic, participative and empowering public administration focused on citizens rather than hierarchical control.

The correct answer is 'A - II, B - IV, C - I, D - III'.

Key Points

• Fred Riggs:
  • Fred Riggs is known for his work "The Ecology of Public Administration".
  • He contributed significantly to the field of comparative public administration.
• Yehezkel Dror:
  • Yehezkel Dror is the author of "Public Policy Making Re-examined".
  • He is a prominent figure in the study of public policy and strategic planning.
• Peter Drucker:
  • Peter Drucker is famous for his book "The Practice of Management".
  • He is often referred to as the father of modern management.
• Karl Marx:
  • Karl Marx wrote "The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte".
  • This work analyzes the rise of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte to power in France.

The correct answer is '1 and 3'

Key Points

• Rational Choice Theory:
  • Rational Choice Theory is a framework for understanding and modeling social and economic behavior within societies.
  • The theory is based on the premise that individuals act to maximize their personal advantage, making decisions by comparing the costs and benefits of various options.
  • Anthony Downs applied Rational Choice Theory to electoral behavior, notably in his 1957 book "An Economic Theory of Democracy," where he analyzed how voters and politicians act in a democracy based on rational calculations.

Additional Information

• Rational Choice Theory (RCT) is a foundational framework in social sciences, particularly in economics, political science, and sociology.
• It is used to model and explain individual and collective behavior by assuming that individuals make decisions by systematically weighing the costs and benefits of various options to maximize their utility or personal advantage.
• It is rooted in the idea of methodological individualism, where individual actions and decisions are the fundamental unit of analysis, and these individuals are seen as rational agents

The correct answer is '1 and 3'

Key Points

• Zone of Indifference:
  • The concept of "Zone of Indifference" was introduced by Chester Barnard in his work on organizational theory and management.
  • It refers to the range of directives or orders that employees are willing to accept and execute without significant resistance or questioning.
  • The size of this zone can be influenced by various factors, including the level of trust employees have in their management, the perceived fairness and legitimacy of the orders, and the existing organizational culture.
• Trust in Management:
  • One of the critical factors that influence the size of the Zone of Indifference is the trust employees have in their management.
  • Higher trust levels can expand the Zone of Indifference, making employees more willing to accept a broader range of directives without resistance.

The correct answer is 'Shared purpose and cooperation among members'

Key Points

• Shared purpose and cooperation among members:
  • Chester Barnard emphasized that for an organization to function effectively as a social system, it must have a shared purpose among its members.
  • Cooperation is crucial because it ensures that the efforts of all members are aligned towards achieving common organizational goals.
  • Barnard believed that the willingness of individuals to contribute to the collective effort is fundamental to the success of any organization.
  • This shared purpose fosters a sense of belonging and commitment among members, which is essential for organizational cohesion and performance.

Additional Information

• A clearly defined profit motive:
  • While a profit motive is important for many organizations, it is not the primary factor in Barnard's perspective on effective social systems.
  • Barnard focused more on the social and cooperative aspects of organizational functioning rather than financial objectives alone.
• Hierarchical authority without cooperation:
  • A hierarchical structure is common in organizations, but without cooperation among members, it can lead to inefficiencies and conflicts.
  • Barnard argued that authority should be accepted by the members, and this acceptance is often facilitated through cooperation and shared goals.
• Strict adherence to formal communication channels:
  • While formal communication channels are important for clarity and order, Barnard also recognized the value of informal communication in fostering cooperation and understanding.
  • Overemphasis on strict adherence can stifle flexibility and responsiveness within the organization.

The correct answer is 'i-c, ii-d, iii-b, iv-a'

Key Points

• Match the following scholars with their definitions or descriptions of Public Administration:
  • E.N. Gladden: Defines Public Administration as the coordinating efforts to achieve common goals.
  • L.D. White: Describes Public Administration as involving executive activities primarily in the public sector.
  • Woodrow Wilson: Stressed the systematic application of law.
  • Luther Gulick: Focuses on emphasis on public policy and executive actions.

Additional Information

• Public Administration refers to the implementation of government policy, and it is an essential component of the broader field of political science. Public administration focuses on the administration and management of government organizations, ensuring that policies and programs are effectively executed to serve the public interest.
• It involves decision-making processes, managing public resources, and ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior in governance.