PSEB SS Public Admin key terms

A large, hierarchical organization of appointed officials who carry out government policy under written rules. Officials are ranked by office, hold defined duties, and act according to formal procedures rather than personal ties.

The practice of filling public posts with political supporters as a reward for loyalty rather than on the basis of merit. It was widely used in the nineteenth century and later replaced by merit-based recruitment.

A method of hiring and promoting public employees based on demonstrated ability, examinations, and performance rather than political connections. It aims to protect the civil service from patronage and to secure competent, continuing administration.

The permanent body of professional, non-elected government employees who administer public policy. Members are usually selected and promoted on merit, enjoy job security, and are expected to serve governments of any party impartially.

The vertical arrangement of offices in which each lower level is accountable to the level above. It fixes who reports to whom, channels orders and information, and makes responsibility for decisions traceable.

The number of subordinates a single supervisor directly manages. A wide span suits simple, routine work, while a narrow span suits complex or varied work requiring close supervision and frequent guidance.

The principle that each employee should receive orders from and be accountable to only one supervisor. It is meant to prevent conflicting instructions and confusion over who bears responsibility for results.

The transfer of authority and responsibility by a superior to a subordinate for specific tasks. Authority may be delegated, but ultimate accountability for the outcomes normally remains with the person who delegated.

Concentration of decision-making authority at higher levels of an organization or government. It can produce consistency and control but may slow responses and reduce initiative among field staff.

The dispersal of authority, functions, or resources from central to lower or local levels. It may take the form of deconcentration of offices, delegation to agencies, or devolution of powers to elected local bodies.

The transfer of powers and responsibilities from a central government to elected regional or local authorities that have their own legal status and some autonomy. The center usually retains ultimate constitutional supremacy.

Line units directly carry out the main programs of an organization and command subordinates; staff units advise, plan, and support without command authority. Tension between them is a common feature of administrative design.

Advisory and support work such as planning, budgeting, legal counsel, and personnel management that helps line units perform their tasks. Staff officers normally advise decision-makers rather than issue operational orders.

A government-owned body created by statute to run a commercial or industrial activity with its own management, budget, and legal identity. It combines public ownership with some freedom from ordinary departmental controls.

A quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization: a body funded by government but operating at arm's length from a ministry. It typically delivers a specific service or performs a regulatory or advisory function.

An independent body established by law to supervise a sector or enforce standards, such as utilities, competition, or food safety. It makes rules, grants licenses, and imposes sanctions within its statutory mandate.

The latitude officials have to choose among lawful options when applying general rules to particular cases. It is necessary for flexible administration but must be bounded by law, standards, and review.

The principle that government and citizens alike are subject to law, applied equally and predictably. Officials may act only under legal authority, and arbitrary or unauthorized action should be open to challenge.

The obligation of public officials to answer for their actions and performance to superiors, legislatures, courts, auditors, and the public. It involves reporting, scrutiny, and consequences for failure or misconduct.

The power of courts to examine administrative acts and decisions for legality, procedure, and reasonableness. Courts may quash unlawful decisions but generally do not substitute their own policy judgment for that of the administrator.

Latin for beyond the powers. An act is ultra vires when a public body exceeds the authority given to it by statute or constitution, and it is therefore invalid and liable to be set aside.

The work a legislature does to monitor the executive and administration: questioning ministers, reviewing budgets, holding hearings, and using committees. It aims to ensure that laws are implemented and funds are properly spent.

An independent official who investigates complaints by citizens about unfair or maladministrative action by public bodies. The office usually recommends remedies rather than issuing binding orders.

A legislative committee that examines audit reports on government spending to confirm that money was spent lawfully and efficiently. It often questions senior officials and reports findings to the legislature.

An independent examination of financial records and management practices to check legality, accuracy, and value for money. Audits may be financial, compliance-based, or performance-oriented and usually lead to recommendations.

The recurring sequence of preparing, approving, executing, and auditing a public budget. Each stage has its own actors and deadlines, and the cycle links policy choices to spending and accountability.

A budget organized by objects of expenditure such as salaries, travel, and supplies. It supports tight control over spending but gives little information about what programs achieve.

A budget format that links proposed spending to measurable outputs or results of programs. It shifts attention from inputs to what money buys, though it requires reliable performance data.

A budgeting method in which each activity must be justified afresh from a zero base rather than from last year's allocation. It forces review of every program but is demanding in time and information.

The management of people in public organizations: recruitment, selection, classification, pay, training, appraisal, discipline, and retirement. It aims to build a capable, motivated, and representative workforce.

The systematic grouping of posts by duties, responsibilities, and required qualifications so that equal work receives equal pay. It underpins recruitment standards, salary scales, and career progression in the civil service.

The periodic assessment of an employee's work against agreed standards, used for feedback, training needs, promotion, and sometimes pay. Fair appraisal requires clear criteria, evidence, and a chance to respond.

The ideal that career officials should be technically capable and serve whichever government is in power with loyalty to the state and the law. It balances professional expertise with political impartiality.

The constitutional convention that ministers answer to the legislature for the conduct and performance of their departments. It links elected leadership to administrative action and provides a channel for accountability.

Rules, regulations, and orders made by the executive or an agency under authority granted by a parent statute. Such rules are valid only within the limits set by the enabling law and remain subject to review.

The formal processes by which citizens or employees can complain about decisions or treatment and seek correction. Effective systems offer accessible channels, fair investigation, timely response, and reasons for outcomes.

A public statement by an agency of the services it provides, the standards citizens can expect, and the remedies available if standards are not met. It is a tool for transparency and service improvement.

A reform movement that applies private-sector ideas to public services: targets, performance measurement, competition, contracting out, and customer orientation. It aims for efficiency and results but can strain equity and coordination.

The transfer of ownership or operation of public assets and services to the private sector, through sale, contracting, or deregulation. Proponents cite efficiency; critics stress risks to access, equity, and public control.

A government-owned or controlled business that supplies goods or services, often in utilities, transport, or finance. It is expected to pursue public objectives while covering costs and operating efficiently.