The united states are fond of finding reform strategies that can advance their enlightenment and guide in the formulation of an equitable solution. Adopting the public management initiative from European in the nineteenth century was one of the best steps in creating a merit system. The old system was characterized by rewarding the politicians while the new system could ensure merit in service delivery. The federal civil service reforms were done as early as in the days of the civil war. Thomas Jefferson was the president who realized the hostile bureaucracy was limiting the adoption of more capable administrators in the office. Unlike his predecessors, Thomas noted that misconduct was a norm as the men who campaigned and elected the various presidents justified their need to be incorporated in public office. Favoritism was practiced in the public office, which replaced the need to have merit in executing duties. In my life, I have always believed that people should be granted opportunities depending on their interests and passion. Also, the person’s performance in the seat would determine their continual services in the proceeding years. Nonetheless, politicians tend to put favoritism above excellence. A person can work so hard to prove themselves for various promotions, only for the opportunity to be granted to privileged individuals in society. Many may be unqualified, while some may be incompetent to lead the rest of the team. Hence, resulting in failure as valuable decisions and other initiatives are performed by the favored persons. The example is a true reflection of many African countries as the practice continues leading to a lack of focus on specific projects. A project started by one party is completed by another, leading to failure or wrong execution. Civil reforms in the United States serves as an ideal and integral effort, representing a more responsive government. The current civil reform represents equal rights, morality, joint leadership, and clear obligation of all its subjects.
In Shafritz and Hyde (2017), I have learned the importance of the public administration to apply its perspective on matters. Hence, the public administration has struggled to establish its own identity, separate from the others, to advance its reform movement. In the nineteenth century, the improvement of the human condition has been emphasized. The legal institutions’ importance in realizing such goals has been attained hence the need to grant power to some of the bodies to reduce the political influence. I have always thought of these institutions in the light of a business. For Example, if I were an owner of a shop and employed an individual to ensure quality products are sold to the customers, I would have a say on thelevelofquality. The person would be forced to agree with many of my opinions as I decide the salary being paid to the individual. The vital importance of the services and any irritation would result in dismissal. The same individual employed by an independent contractor would have a voice over what quality means. Hence, having more power and influence over the quality products being sold to the customers. In the same way, public administrations need a voice and act independently for the interest of the people and without intimidation.
Budgeting reforms are an essential aspect of public administration. Accountability and maximization of resources are effectively achieved through budgeting the available resources over a span of period, mostly one year. William F. Willoughby was the director for Government research and the first person to be issued with budgetary responsibility, accounting for the allocation of all the resources. The public administration is mandated to take care of the available facilities and ensure they are used to benefit the people. Hence, the public administration needs to take an active role to ensure there are no violations. Previously, there was no clear boundary between personal financial responsibilities the public financial spending. The politicians could take vacations at the expense of the revenue collected from the people in the form of tax. The misappropriation of funds leads to the violation of public trust; hence, the need for the public administration to ensure that funds are allocated to meet the people’s various needs. According to many influencers like Goodnow, Taylor, and Willoughby, the current public administration should grow to influence the economy. The public administration is not a personal enterprise, but it’s inclusive of the entire sector; hence, the sectors’ growth relies on the development of the public administration’s ability to allocate funds to vital areas in the economy.
I have learned a lot about public administration. I am convinced that it led to modern society and the advancement of the nation from agriculture to a more industrial setting. Afte