Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servants towards their work have been identified as the bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude. (a) Distinguish between these two terms and write their merits and demerits. (b) Is it possible to balance the two to create a better administration for the faster development of our country?

(a) Distinguishing the two attitudes

The bureaucratic attitude is rule-bound, hierarchical, impersonal and procedure-oriented; the democratic attitude is participative, responsive, citizen-centric and empathetic.

• Bureaucratic attitude - merits: impartiality, consistency, predictability, rule of law, protection against arbitrariness and favouritism.
• Bureaucratic attitude - demerits: red tape, rigidity, insensitivity, delay, and a self-serving culture (Weber's 'iron cage'; Merton's goal displacement, where following rules becomes the end).
• Democratic attitude - merits: responsiveness, participation, accountability to citizens, flexibility and public trust.
• Democratic attitude - demerits: risk of populism, inconsistency, susceptibility to pressure and dilution of neutrality.

(b) Balancing the two

Yes, balance is both possible and necessary. Rules provide the framework; a democratic spirit fills it with empathy and responsiveness. The balance is struck by:

• Retaining procedural integrity while adopting citizen's charters, grievance redress and social audits;
• Practising discretion within rules, guided by public interest;
• Cultivating emotional intelligence so officers are firm on principles yet flexible on people.

Conclusion

The ideal administrator combines the bureaucrat's fairness with the democrat's empathy - lawful, impartial, yet humane and responsive - which is the essence of good governance and faster, inclusive development.