Chapter 13: Administrative Feedback and Control

As administrative power grows, mechanisms to monitor and control it become more vital. Feedback is the process of correcting administration so that it does not deviate from its original goals.

1. Administrative Control

Monitoring or oversight imposed externally or internally to ensure administrative accountability.

(1) Formal vs. Informal Control

• Formal External: Legislature (Congressional oversight), Judiciary (Judicial review), Board of Audit.
• Formal Internal: Oversight by superior agencies, coordination by the Prime Minister’s office.
• Informal External: NGOs, the media, interest groups.
• Informal Internal: Public official unions, professional ethics.

2. Administrative Reform

Activities intended to deliberately change the structure, personnel, and budget of the administrative system in step with social changes.

(1) Resistance and Management

• Causes of Resistance: Fear of losing vested rights, uncertainty about change, psychological burden.
• Overcoming Strategies:
  • Coercive: Using power or threats.
  • Utilitarian: Providing rewards or incentives.
  • Normative/Social: Expanding participation, education and training, timing adjustments (Most desirable).

3. Corruption in the Public Sector

The abuse of power by public officials for private gain during the performance of public duties.

• Types of Corruption:
  • Individual: Misconduct at an individual level.
  • Institutionalized: Corruption that has become embedded as a custom within an organization.
  • White Corruption: Corruption perceived as not causing significant harm to society (e.g., customary favors).
  • Black Corruption: Clear misconduct that the entire society agrees must be condemned.

Key Checklist

• Are judicial review and congressional oversight considered internal or external control mechanisms? (Answer: External Control)
• What is the most desirable strategy for reducing resistance to administrative reform? (Answer: Normative strategy through participation and education)
• Which type of corruption refers to misconduct that society universally agrees should be punished? (Answer: Black Corruption)