Origin of POSDCORB
POSDCORB was presented by Luther Gulick in his essay “Notes on
the Theory of Organization” in 1937.
It emerged from the classical school of administration, which
emphasized scientific principles, hierarchy, and specialization.
Gulick defined administration as “what managers do,” and
POSDCORB was his way of breaking down administrative functions
into manageable components.
Though originally intended for private business organizations, it was
quickly adapted in the field of public administration.
Detailed Explanation of POSDCORB Functions
1. Planning (P)
Planning means working out in broad outline the tasks to be accomplished
and the methods to achieve them. It sets the direction for administration.
Example in Public Administration: Formulation of Five-Year
Plans, Smart Cities Mission, and annual development programs.
2. Organizing (O)
Organizing involves establishing formal authority structures, division of
work, and coordination of activities to achieve objectives.
Example: Creation of ministries, departments, and agencies with
defined roles and responsibilities.
3. Staffing (S)
Staffing covers personnel functions: recruitment, training, promotion, and
maintaining morale.
Example: Recruitment of civil servants by UPSC, state public
service commissions, and training at institutions like LBSNAA.
4. Directing (D)
Directing refers to leading, guiding, motivating, and supervising
subordinates to carry out tasks.
Example: Senior administrators issuing directions during crises like
natural disasters or health emergencies.
5. Coordinating (CO)
Coordinating is the harmonization of different efforts to achieve unity of
action.
Example: NITI Aayog coordinating with central ministries and state
governments for national development programs.
6. Reporting (R)
Reporting means keeping higher authorities informed through records,
inspections, and communication channels.
Example: Annual reports of ministries to Parliament, audit reports
by CAG.
7. Budgeting (B)
Budgeting involves financial planning, allocation of resources, accounting,
and auditing.
Example: Union Budget, state budgets, and zero-based budgeting
exercises.
Application of POSDCORB in Public Administration
1. Guiding Administrative Practice: Provides a blueprint for
administrators to follow systematic steps in governance.
2. Policy Formulation and Execution: Planning and organizing help
convert political decisions into workable programs.
3. Human Resource Management: Staffing ensures meritocracy,
training, and capacity building in civil services.
4. Financial Control: Budgeting ensures accountability, transparency,
and fiscal responsibility.
5. Crisis Management: Directing and coordinating are critical during
emergencies like floods, pandemics, and wars.
6. Modern Relevance: POSDCORB principles are evident in project
management, e-Governance initiatives, and digital record keeping.
Criticism of POSDCORB
Too Mechanical: Critics argue it views administration as a rigid set
of functions, ignoring human and political dimensions.
Overlap of Functions: In practice, functions like planning and
organizing cannot be completely separated.
Neglect of Policy Role: POSDCORB focuses more on execution
and less on policy-making, which is crucial in public administration.
Modern Complexities: Globalization, participatory governance,
and ICT demand more flexibility than POSDCORB allows.
Conclusion and Inference
POSDCORB remains a milestone in the history of administrative thought. It
provided a clear and structured understanding of managerial
responsibilities and continues to guide public administrators in areas such
as planning, budgeting, and coordination. However, its mechanical and
one-dimensional approach has limitations in today’s dynamic governance
environment. The framework must therefore be adapted with flexibility,
citizen participation, and modern technology to remain relevant.
Bibliography and References
1. Gulick, L., & Urwick, L. (1937). Papers on the Science of
Administration. New York: Institute of Public Administration.
2. Nicholas Henry. (2017). Public Administration and Public
Affairs. Routledge.
3. Bhattacharya, Mohit. (2013). New Horizons of Public
Administration. Jawahar Publishers.
4. Basu, Rumki. (2019). Public Administration: Concepts and
Theories. Sterling Publishers.
5. Avasthi, A., & Maheshwari, S. R. (2016). Public Administration:
Theory and Practice. Lakshmi Narain Agarwal.
6. Appleby, P. H. (1945). Big Democracy. Alfred A. Knopf.
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