Social Equity in Public Administration: Fairness, Justice and Equity, tools for social change

Abstract

In the field of public administration, the importance of social equity in distribution of public services delivery has shown development in recent years. This article explores and tests whether awareness of social equity in public sector exists in local public offices and among citizens, and the difference of perceptions between service providers and services receivers. Using data from a survey of Pakistani local public offices (n = 150) and citizens (n = 1200), we have generally found positive awareness of fairness, justice and social equity but the strength of the associations vary among different level of income groups. Awareness of fairness and justice and social equity differs significantly between public offices and citizens, and perception of social equity is strongest for local offices as compared to citizens in services delivery. The possibility of practical implications of the study and recommendations are discussed. The public sector organizations, which must be responsive to public perceptions, to know their citizens needs and adjustment of social equity, have an administrative concern. Local public organizations can benefit in issues of fairness, justice and in equity in services delivery while facilitating the two-way communication and giving priority to information between public offices and citizens. The important implication of this study is that there is a need of professional public administration that can understand and practice the concept of social equity.