Administrative Discretion - Summary
Running Head: Administrative Discretion 1
Administrative Discretion
Joy M. Stiles
Grantham University
Administrative Discretion 2
Abstract
To understand what the advantages and disadvantages to restriction of laid down rules for
Public Administration, one should look at the views of Max Weber and of the more modern
thinkers of our society. At the time of Weber’s life, society was different; his ideas made sense
and worked smoothly. Realities of our society have changed greatly since then. We have
expanded and now have communication with our citizens that we did not have before. As you
will see in my discussion there are advantages and disadvantages of restrictions for our rules in
public administration. You will also see that I believe that in today’s government there is a need
for some discretion.
Administrative Discretion 2
Discussion
Max Weber believed in “Leveling of the governed”; that meaning that government should be
administered by bureaucratic experts. This meant that there would be an “officially” authorized
method of disciple. The rules were black and white with no gray areas. His rationality was that
this provided protections and accountability by the structure and restrictions of these set rules.
He believed this system of rules secured the equal and fair right and guidelines for all in the
process of government bureaucracy. At the time, this system worked. Society was new and we
did not have the communication and the involvement of citizens that we have today.
The advantages of restricted rules of administration are the administrators weren’t
Administrative Discretion
Joy M. Stiles
Grantham University
Administrative Discretion 2
Abstract
To understand what the advantages and disadvantages to restriction of laid down rules for
Public Administration, one should look at the views of Max Weber and of the more modern
thinkers of our society. At the time of Weber’s life, society was different; his ideas made sense
and worked smoothly. Realities of our society have changed greatly since then. We have
expanded and now have communication with our citizens that we did not have before. As you
will see in my discussion there are advantages and disadvantages of restrictions for our rules in
public administration. You will also see that I believe that in today’s government there is a need
for some discretion.
Administrative Discretion 2
Discussion
Max Weber believed in “Leveling of the governed”; that meaning that government should be
administered by bureaucratic experts. This meant that there would be an “officially” authorized
method of disciple. The rules were black and white with no gray areas. His rationality was that
this provided protections and accountability by the structure and restrictions of these set rules.
He believed this system of rules secured the equal and fair right and guidelines for all in the
process of government bureaucracy. At the time, this system worked. Society was new and we
did not have the communication and the involvement of citizens that we have today.
The advantages of restricted rules of administration are the administrators weren’t
References: Stillman II, R J (2010). Public Administration: Concepts and Cases, 9th edition. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning Jarvis, D (Unknown), Max Weber and Public Administration in Today’s Democratic Community retrieved from http://www.glendon.yorku.ca/english/faculty/researchcentres/api/ documents/maxweber.pdf Borgatti, S. (1996) Bureaucracy, retrieved from http://www.analytictech.com/mb021/bureau.htm