DQ 6-1

Describe the type of influence public administrator’s exercise in public organizations. How do you think power is related to influence in decision making by public administrators?

Responses in DQ6-1

1

Public administrator’s play a major role in public organizations and influence in decision making. One as a public administrator is in charge of listening to the public, addressing issues and concerns and policy change to better the services of the entity. As a public servant one also has to build partnerships with other organizations for example private, non-profit, and other local agencies and works towards bettering the services offered at the agency. Public administrators influence agencies because one is the face of the organization and can make a positive or negative impact on the organization. Moreover, constituents place their trust on this individual for performing his/her duties and carry out policies for constituents. According to Maggie and Frasier (2014) “Whether preparing for the approach of the next hurricane or turning around failing schools, public managers must find ways to influence others.” As civil servants one an administrator must look for ways to influence constituents and staff positively to carry out the agencies mission. Furthermore, power is related to influence for public administrators in decision making because one is able to create policies and make changes to better processes at the agency. According to Maggie and Frasier (2014) “Both status and power are needed for effective influence in the long term, and individuals who occupy administrative positions must keep an eye on developing each one.” As an administrator one has the power to influence individuals, policy making and partnerships for the betterment of services to constituents.

Reference

Maggie, J., & Frasier, C. (2014). Status and Power: The Principal Inputs to Influence for Public Managers. In PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW . Retrieved from https://eds-a-ebscohost-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=1189e70f-fd47-4511-805d-a13f9d37ef63%40sdc-v-sessmgr03&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=RN353119320&db=edsb

2

Public administrator’s play a major role in public organizations and influence in decision making. One as a public administrator is in charge of listening to the public, addressing issues and concerns and policy change to better the services of the entity. As a public servant one also has to build partnerships with other organizations for example private, non-profit, and other local agencies and works towards bettering the services offered at the agency. Public administrators influence agencies because one is the face of the organization and can make a positive or negative impact on the organization. Moreover, constituents place their trust on this individual for performing his/her duties and carry out policies for constituents. According to Maggie and Frasier (2014) “Whether preparing for the approach of the next hurricane or turning around failing schools, public managers must find ways to influence others.” As civil servants one an administrator must look for ways to influence constituents and staff positively to carry out the agencies mission. Furthermore, power is related to influence for public administrators in decision making because one is able to create policies and make changes to better processes at the agency. According to Maggie and Frasier (2014) “Both status and power are needed for effective influence in the long term, and individuals who occupy administrative positions must keep an eye on developing each one.” As an administrator one has the power to influence individuals, policy making and partnerships for the betterment of services to constituents.

Reference

Maggie, J., & Frasier, C. (2014). Status and Power: The Principal Inputs to Influence for Public Managers. In PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW . Retrieved from https://eds-a-ebscohost-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=1189e70f-fd47-4511-805d-a13f9d37ef63%40sdc-v-sessmgr03&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=RN353119320&db=edsb

3

It is important to acknowledge that all activities in public organizations are being carried out according to a particular decision. The question is: Who makes decisions? Please never make a mistake. In organizations, decisions should always be made by those who hold managerial/administrative positions, or delegates. The positions are situated at the lower, middle and upper management/administrative levels. In other words, those supervisors/managers/administrators have a certain level of power to exercise according to the duties and responsibilities assigned to them.

What do you think?