| In the present study Administration has been considered as a purposive function. This means that relationships amongst its structures and activities are based on a means-end logical interrelation.; The efficiency concept has therefore been examined under this means-end logical structure and explored from the vantage point of some influential decision-making models like Scientific Management, Departmentalization Theory, Simon's model as well as within the area of public policy evaluation. Also, systems analysis was used in combination with means-end chain for exploring larger administrative manifestations than isolated and individual decisions.; Further, from a methodological standpoint, the approach of Logical Positivism was rejected as an inadequate method for describing and explaining the administrative decision-making process. Manifestations of this inadequacy in administrative practice appear in the area of planning, "line" and "staff" relationship and around the conceptualization and operationalization of the efficiency concept, par excellence.; From this point of view, the fact-value distinction in decision theory in general and on the efficiency criterion in particular advocated by Professor Simon, was rejected. Thus, it has been argued here, first that the administrative means are not valuationally neutral and second, as a consequence, the efficiency concept is not a neutral concept but instead a value-loaded one.; Furthermore, another fundamental argument of this endeavor has been that the efficiency concept cannot be defined in the same way when it is applied to organizational settings pursuing different goals, i.e. commercial or profit-maximizing organizations and non-profit organizations. As was shown, in non-commercial organizations and administrative agencies, with regard to the operationalization of the efficiency concept, aspects of the concept which go beyond its strict economic notion must be included. This point became manifest with regard to PPBS, Cost-Benefit Analysis and Pareto Optimality criterion.; Finally, a fundamental conclusion and implication for the administrative decision-making mechanism has been the relativistic nature of the efficiency concept and its connection with the concept of organizational effectiveness especially in the area of public policy evaluation.; The hierarchy of organizational goals which was assumed from the very beginning, sheds light on the conclusions reached in this study. |
