📘 Public Administration – Paper I
Page–4: Human Relations & Behavioural Approach
Previous Year Questions & Model Answers
Prepared for UPSC Mains by Shaktimatha Learning
Q1. Examine the contribution of the Human Relations movement to Public Administration.
Answer Framework:
- Reaction against classical mechanical view
- Contribution of Elton Mayo
- Hawthorne experiments and social motivation
- Importance of morale and informal groups
- Influence on modern HRM and leadership
Q2. Critically evaluate the Hawthorne experiments.
Answer Framework:
- Conducted at Hawthorne Works by Elton Mayo
- Key findings: social needs, attention effect
- Shift from economic to social motivation
- Methodological limitations
- Overemphasis on harmony and neglect of conflict
Q3. “Human Relations theory overemphasises harmony and ignores power.” Discuss.
Answer Framework:
- Assumption of cooperation and shared goals
- Neglect of authority, conflict, and politics
- Inadequate explanation of labour unrest
- Relevance in stable organisational settings
- Need for balance with structural approaches
Q4. Explain Herbert Simon’s critique of classical administrative theory.
Answer Framework:
- Attack on vague “principles of administration”
- Introduction of decision-making as core of administration
- Concept of bounded rationality
- Emphasis on empirical and behavioural study
- Scientific rigour in administrative analysis
Q5. “Decision-making is the heart of administration.” Discuss.
Answer Framework:
- Statement by Herbert Simon
- Role of decisions at all administrative levels
- Constraints on rational decision-making
- Bounded rationality and satisficing
- Relevance in policy implementation
Prepared by Shaktimatha Learning
Understand Behaviour → Structure Answers → Score High
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