The Proverbs of Administration Herbert Simon Summary

Bekki Drewlo Simon, Herbert A. (1946). The Proverbs of Administration. In J. M. Shafrits & A. C. Hyde (Eds. ), Classics of public administration (6th ed. ) (pp. 124-137). Boston, MA Thompson Wadsworth.ARTICLE SUMMARYIn Herbert Simons The Proverbs of Administration he begins outlining what he describes as the judge administrative principles (p. 124). These principles state that administrative efficiency is increased by speciality of tasks among members of a group, unity of command, limiting the span of take at any star point in the hierarchy and by grouping the workers according to purpose, process, clientele and place.He then goes on to detail specific examples of how each principle could be tested in real world administrative situations for validity. Simon subjects each principle in turn to a very critical analysis beginning with distinctiveness. He describes specialization as a deceptive simplicity and conveys that the fundamental problem with specialization is that it is ambi guous and he leads the reader to determine that the principle of specialization is of not swear out at all in deciding how to specialize to improve efficiency (p. 25) Turning to unity of command, Simon points out that this principle is simply incompatible with the principle of specialization (p. 125). If using the specialization principal, then the specialist would be looked upon for the decisions, not the person in command as the unity of command principal would require. Span of control contradictions atomic number 18 highlighted by Simon by describing how both an increase and a decrease in the span of control could increase or decrease efficiency in an organization. Lastly, Simon evaluates organization by purpose, process, clientele and place.In this principle, organization based on one aspect would be to the detriment of the remaining three. In each evaluation Simon provides either contradictory solutions that meet the requirement of the proverb in question or describes situat ions where adherence to the proverb could be inefficient if not irresponsible. Simon suggests rather that the principles of administration are merely criteria for describing and diagnosing administrative situations(p. 131). Finally, Simon relates that the proverbs of administration are in desperate need of empirical research and ultimately revision.He states that efficiency should be a definition of what is good or correct administrative behavior rather than a principle of administration (p. 133). He goes on to describe an approach for a more scientific analysis of administrative principles that would allow one to easily choose between equally viable yet opposing solutions to a single administrative problem. He provides the road map by which he believes this could be accomplished, yet admits that it may even be a quixotic undertaking (p. 136).The irony of this closing contradiction is not lost on this reader.KEY POINTSThe accepted administrative principles or proverbs are inherent ly flawed.These principles are still of value by using them as criteria for describing and diagnosing administrative situations(pg 131).SpecializationUnity of CommandSpan of ControlOrganization by purpose, Process, Clientele, PlaceThe accepted administrative principles or proverbs are in desperate need of empirical research and ultimately revision.RELEVENCEThis article is relevant to students and practitioners of administration because it highlights the ongoing struggle with administrative theory. Simons highlights the contradictions inherent with the accepted administrative principles but leads the reader to understand that these principles are useful as tools in the radiation pattern of administration (p. 124). After evaluation of specialization, unity of command, span of control and organization by purpose, process, clientele and place, administrators can rely on experience to determine the reserve behavior.