Differentiating Between Democratic Attitude and Bureaucratic Attitude of Public Servants

Democratic Attitude:

1. Public Engagement: Public servants with a democratic attitude prioritize engaging with citizens, valuing public opinion, and ensuring transparency. For example, the Participatory Budgeting initiatives in cities like Porto Alegre involve citizens in budget allocation decisions.
2. Accountability: They emphasize accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the community, fostering a participatory approach in governance.
3. Flexibility: Democratic public servants are generally more adaptable and open to reforms based on public feedback and evolving societal needs.

Bureaucratic Attitude:

1. Hierarchical Approach: A bureaucratic attitude often involves a rigid adherence to established rules and protocols, with less emphasis on public consultation. For example, the traditional procedures in Indian administrative services can sometimes lead to bureaucratic red tape.
2. Formality: Bureaucratic attitudes focus on formality and procedural correctness, which can sometimes result in a lack of flexibility and responsiveness.
3. Decision-Making: Bureaucratic public servants may have a top-down approach, with decisions being made by higher authorities and limited input from the public.

Recent Example: The Digital India initiative showcases a blend of democratic and bureaucratic attitudes by using technology to improve transparency and citizen engagement, yet it also involves procedural elements typical of bureaucratic systems.

Conclusion: While democratic attitudes emphasize public engagement, flexibility, and accountability, bureaucratic attitudes focus on formality, procedural adherence, and hierarchical decision-making. Both approaches have their roles in effective public administration.