Public Interest as an Inadequate Ground Concept in Public Administration Evaluation
Public interest, a fundamental concept in public administration, refers to the overall well-being and benefit of society. However, its use as a ground concept for evaluating public administration has faced criticism for its inadequacies.
Here are some reasons why public interest may be inadequate as a ground concept:
1. Subjectivity and Pluralism:
Public interest is inherently subjective and varies depending on the perspectives, values, and ideologies of different stakeholders. What may be deemed in the public interest for one group may not be for another. This pluralism makes it challenging to establish objective and universally accepted criteria for evaluating public administration based on public interest.
2. Complexity and Contestability:
Public administration deals with complex issues that often involve multiple perspectives and trade-offs. Determining what is in the public interest can be highly contested, as different values, objectives, and priorities collide. It is difficult to find a common denominator that satisfies all parties and addresses the diverse needs of society.
3. Lack of Practicality:
Applying the public interest concept to real-world evaluations is often impractical. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the full range of consequences and impacts of a particular policy or program, which may be impossible to predict with certainty. Moreover, it is difficult to measure and compare the benefits and costs of different alternatives objectively.
4. Limited Accountability:
Public interest can be difficult to hold public administrators accountable for their actions. If the concept is overly broad or ambiguous, it may provide leeway for administrators to justify decisions based on their own interpretation of what is in the best interest of society. This can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in public administration.
Alternatives to Public Interest:
Given the limitations of public interest as a ground concept, alternative approaches to evaluating public administration have been proposed. These include:
- Stakeholder Theory: Considers the interests of various stakeholders, including citizens, employees, interest groups, and government agencies, to ensure a balanced assessment.
- Performance Management: Evaluates public administration based on specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals and objectives.
- Accountability and Transparency: Emphasizes the importance of public administrators being accountable for their actions and ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent and open to scrutiny.
Conclusion:
While public interest remains a guiding principle in public administration, its use as a ground concept for evaluation has its limitations. Its subjectivity, complexity, lack of practicality, and limited accountability make it challenging to apply effectively in real-world settings. By considering alternative approaches, such as stakeholder theory, performance management, and accountability, we can enhance the rigor and objectivity of public administration evaluations.