Textbook of Nursing Management
Administration as an activity is as old as society. But it began as a field of study in 1887 with the publication of Wilson's Essay on the Study of Administration. As a process, administration occurs in both public and private organizations. This happens in various institutions like business firms, labor unions, religious or charitable organizations, educational institutions, etc. Its nature is influenced by the region to which it belongs. Administration is generally divided into two types, public and private administration. As an aspect of government activity, it has existed since the emergence of the political systems. While public administration deals with the activities carried out by the government, private administration refers to the management of private business enterprises. The meaning is sufficiently suggestive, as it emphasizes on the administrator that he should consider himself as a servant, not as a master, taking care, doing all the work. Administration is a process that affects all collective endeavours, whether public or private, civil or military, otherwise large scale and is universal in nature. It is a collective effort, directed towards the achievement of consciously determined objectives. Since administration pervades all planned human activities, it is at the center of all human affairs. Its major aspects are formulation of policy and its implementation to achieve the stated goals in the form of service or products in an optimal manner. Administration is an activity that demands correct analysis and precise orientation