Tuesday, 10 February 2026

 

📘 Public Administration – Paper I
Page–3: Administrative Thinkers
Previous Year Questions & Model Answers

Prepared for UPSC Mains by Shaktimatha Learning


Q1. “Scientific Management is a philosophy of efficiency rather than humanity.” Discuss with reference to F.W. Taylor.

Answer Framework:
  • F.W. Taylor – Father of Scientific Management
  • Core ideas: time & motion study, standardisation, efficiency
  • Contribution to productivity and administrative control
  • Criticism: mechanical view, neglect of human and social factors
  • Modern relevance with HR safeguards
Conclusion: Taylor improved efficiency but lacked human sensitivity.

Q2. Compare the administrative ideas of Taylor and Fayol.

Answer Framework:
  • Taylor – shop floor, worker-level efficiency
  • Fayol – top management and organisational functions
  • Taylor focused on methods; Fayol on principles
  • Common objective: administrative efficiency
  • Use comparative table for high marks
Conclusion: Both approaches are complementary, not contradictory.

Q3. Examine Henri Fayol’s contribution to administrative theory.

Answer Framework:
  • Administration as a universal process
  • 14 principles of management
  • POSDCORB functional approach
  • Contribution to systematic administrative study
  • Criticism: rigidity and lack of flexibility
Conclusion: Fayol laid the foundation of modern administrative management.

Q4. “Weber’s model of bureaucracy is technically superior but socially weak.” Discuss.

Answer Framework:
  • Key features: hierarchy, rules, impersonality, merit
  • Technical superiority: efficiency, predictability
  • Social weaknesses: rigidity, red-tapism, alienation
  • Indian administrative experience
  • Need for flexibility and human orientation
Conclusion: Weberian bureaucracy needs reforms, not rejection.

Q5. Is bureaucracy inevitable in modern administration? Discuss with reference to Weber.

Answer Framework:
  • Complexity of modern welfare state
  • Need for rules, hierarchy, specialisation
  • Weber’s justification for bureaucracy
  • Dysfunctions and reform measures
  • Move towards post-bureaucratic models
Conclusion: Bureaucracy is inevitable but must be responsive and accountable.

Prepared by Shaktimatha Learning
Thinkers → Compare → Criticise → Score High

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