Ecology and Administration

Ecology refers to the connection of the environment with the individuals. Similarly, public administration’s ecology comprises the environmental effects that monitor public administration activities in society.The term “Ecology” in biology refers to the branch of science. It deals with the relations of organisms to one another and their physical surroundings. It defines the interrelation of a living organism with its physical and social environment. Bureaucracies are conditioned by their environments, and the conditioning is naturally mutual, similar to the living organisms. John Gaus, Fred Riggs, and many other pioneers did extensive research in ecology and its effect on public administration.

Ecology in the context of biological science and public administration

According to S. C. Santra, ecology is the study of interactions of living organisms with one another and their environment. It is the energy study of the structure and function of nature.This interaction is not impactless. It has a substantial impact on the environment and the individual; thus, it is a considered topic of study in public administration. This approach regards society as organic in nature and widens the scope of the study of public administration.

Riggs’ contribution and approach towards theoretical model (Rigg’s model)

Fred Riggs’ approach to using ecological methodology is a supplement to traditional public administration research. 

Comparative public administration research suggests that the researcher examines other related factors such as ideologies, historical background, value systems, social structure, economic structure, etc. They should do it because social systems evolve gradually; they don’t transform abruptly.  Fred Riggs had deeply studied the administrative systems of many countries. He observed that almost all the researchers were comparing the administrative structures of both developing states and developed ones. Still, they did not bring the influence of the environment into consideration.In Rigg’s model, Fred Rigg said that in the administrative system of every country, there is an inevitable influence of the environment on administration. Thus, all the comparative public administrations must consider them. For instance, the administration of an industrialised developed state is distinct in terms of quality from the public administration of a not much-developed state.

Riggs considered three parts as the dimensions of societies. They are listed below:

• Fused society
• Prismatic society
• Diffracted society

Nevertheless, the Riggsian analysis has been criticised mainly because of its western bias. Riggs has failed in realising the positives of overlapping, formalities, etc. These features have given voice and choice to marginalised groups like women, children, etc.

Importance of environmental factors in public administration

Professor John M. Gaus suggested and pointed out the effects and influences of the surroundings or ecology of the region on the public administration, including its development and its activities. Some conclusions are listed below:

• The factors concerning ecology or the physical environment influence the initiatives, strategies, schemes, and architecture of public administration
• Any system or structure in a considered area impacts its surrounding interacting environment (if it is somehow interacting with it)
• In the case of public administration, ecology plays an essential role in many of its decisions, thus, having a substantial part of the effects
• Ecology concerns the interrelationships between living creatures and their surroundings
• Using ecological concepts can help create revitalised and new organisational patterns for individuals in public administration
• Public administrators can respond more appropriately to difficulties within and outside their organisation if they take a more sensitive and mindful approach to environmental concerns
• Furthermore, suppose the concepts of ecology are correctly applied. In that case, it can serve as a diagnostic tool for the public administrator and, therefore, provide standards for evaluating the impact on an organisation

Ecology and public administration from the perspective of their significant pioneers

The biological term “Ecology” describes the interdependence between an animal species and its natural environment.The perspectives of some significant pioneers on ecology and public administration are listed below:

1. John Gaus: John Gaus pointed out the need to imply the concepts of ecology to study the necessary interdependence of public bureaucracy and its environment. Gaus was the first who initiated ecology in the study of public administration. Ernest Haeckel supported him.
2. Robert Dahl: He stressed the importance and need for cross-cultural studies and environmental effects on administrative structure and behaviour.
3. Fred W. Riggs: F. W. Riggs explored the interaction between public administration and the environment in which it develops from a comparative perspective.

Conclusion

Initiated by John Gaus and prominently developed by other leaders in this field, we now know that public administration must consider the effect it gets from the surroundings. Thus, it must consider its ecology.Applying ecological concepts to public administration can fortify existing institutional structures and even new patterns for individuals. Considering the impact of ecology can assist public administrators to respond efficiently to challenges they face. Ecology can indeed serve as a diagnostic and analytical tool in public administration.