Statesmanship in Public Administration

Statesmanship in Public Administration

Introduction

Public administration can be defined as the action of an individual appointed by the government to offer services to the public or implement government policies in society. Public administrators are also known as civil servants, are individuals who are expected to serve the public and offer solutions to their problems when possible (Newswander, 2019). Civil servants are expected to be fair, responsible accountable, and possess the quality of statesmanship. These qualities enable the administrators or civil servants to offers brilliant services to the public, which results in a cohesive and peaceful society. The civil servants can also be called statesmen as they are employees of the state or the country.

Statesmanship can be defined as a morally brilliant leader. For one to be classified as having statesmanship skills, he or she must exhibit essential qualifications like having a vast amount of wisdom and skills, which enables him or her to make wise and valid decisions in everything he does (Gould, 2014). Unlike politicians who would do or say anything for the sake of getting elected, statesmen, on the other hand, are people who would do anything for the ordinary people that he or she represents. The bi biblical model that guides a statesman is Mathew 7:12, which states, “so in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets.”

In an article by Kevin J. Burns titled Chief Justice as Chief Executive: Taft’s Judicial Statesmanship shows how William Howard Taft, who was the only American to serve two top branches of the government, depicted his statesmanship over his years in service. Mr. Howard was appointed as the chief justice of America in 1921 and finishing his term as the president in 1909-1913 (Burns, 2018).  Taft was brilliant in his job as the chief justice as he managed to change ad reshape the federal justice system in America, and also he was able to strengthen the powers of the chief justice. He was able to eradicate delays in the Supreme Court, which was the busiest court in the US, and this was done by transferring judges between the courts.

Due to his statesmanship qualities, he displayed when he was the president is ensured that he had a wide range of allies in the government who helped him in pushing his reforms of the judiciary (Burns, 2018). Using his wisdom and skills to deal with people, he was able to request the congress for additional district judges in the courts so as to enable the eradication of delays in courts. This factor shows that when you do good deeds, people will remember you, and they will reward you. “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrew 13:17)

Similarly, another concept is provided for in a reading that recounts the parable of the talents, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? Furthermore, if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” Luke 16:10-12.

It is prudent to note that Taft the chief justice he never did anything for the sake of self-interest but brought all the reforms in the judiciary with an aim and a desire to serve the citizens better and ensure that justice prevails (Burns, 2018). He endeavored to create a judicial system that will offer fast solutions to those who needed it and to allow peoples cases to be heard swiftly at the different stages of the legal system in America.

Throughout his period as a public administrator, Taft held high ethical values in his job and ensured that all he did was for the good of the ordinary people. His statesmanship’s kicks in where he used his skills, influence, and wisdom to make changes in the judicial system of America. According to Proverbs 27:23, A leader should be aware of the condition of his flocks as well as he should pay attention to his herd. That is what Taft did as he had paid attention to the people he served and realized the problems they faced, and he offered solutions.

Conclusion

This paper has shown the importance of statesmanship in public services and how public administrators should behave conduct themselves while serving the public. It is important to note that there is no good deed done that goes without been rewarded. The reward might not be financial or materialistic, but the award will be there. It is prudent to note that as a public servant, you work for the public good and not your own, and it is essential for one to emulate Taft in his leadership position always.