What is Administrative Analysis?

Administrative Analysis

What is Administrative Analysis?

By Deborah J. Link, Ph.D.

August 5, 2026

What is Administrative Analysis?  A definition of Administrative Analysis from Pfiffner and Lane (1951) is that it “is the study of causes and solutions of administrative problems.  It includes the basic responsibility of planning and improving procedures, methods, and organizational structure” (p. 4).  Further, what is an Administrative Analyst?  “An Administrative Analyst is one who approaches administrative problems through the media of practical scientific research techniques and creative thinking which leads to an identification of the problems, a determination of their causes, and development of solutions” (Pfiffner & Lane, 1951, p. 4).

Some examples of tasks performed in analysis and solution seeking could include tracing specific transactions through each step, the functionality of forms or lack of functionality, examination of backlogs, studies of work volume, study of incoming or outgoing work to be processed, observation of physical arrangements, or study of workflow charts.  The result of any analysis would be potential solution(s) and a final report explaining the methodology of the analysis and recommendations and possible solutions.  The final report provides both a formal document and a summarized report to base decisions upon.  A final report informs top management of problems uncovered and familiarizes them with why and how the issues found affect the organization.  The final report also provides administrative office leadership or supervisors with a document that is able to be used for their follow-up purposes going forward.

Following the completion of the analysis and the final report, there can be continued follow-up with the Administrative Analyst to assist in implementing changes that are decided upon by organization leadership.  This follow-up phase would include preparing complete plans, a timetable, selection and training of key assistants, design of new forms if applicable, explaining changes completely to overcome resistance to change, conducting a pilot implementation to discover any unforeseen problems, determining adequate controls for continuance, and revising original recommendations where experience warrants.

Reference

Pfiffner, J. D., & Lane, S. O. (1951).  A manual for administrative analysis. WM. C. Brown Co. Publishers, Dubuque, Iowa.