#172 Public Administration and Operations Company (21/09/2025)

I rarely mention it myself, but during my studies, I majored in Law and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong. Back then, I was mainly focused on passing exams. Of course, I did have subjects that interested me and professors I could talk to, but my main priority was academic performance, and I rarely thought about how to apply it in practice. Recently, while dealing with work-related matters, I suddenly remembered that what I had studied about public administration seemed to be applicable.

Most operating companies generally strive to improve efficiency. The goal of business activities is to provide products and services to customers in the most efficient way possible. Customers then decide which store they want to choose based on their own money. Survival of the fittest. This is simple and easy to understand. However, I recently discovered that if you think about it more deeply, the efficiency of a company's operations goes beyond just counting. It involves making decisions that balance the interests of all parties and achieving the best possible equilibrium. For example, at my own company, Re Pillow Co., which makes bedding, we both produce and retail. Every day, I have to decide how to utilize limited resources and where to allocate them. This process involves not only ensuring that the money is used properly, but also meeting the needs of different stakeholders, recognizing that everyone feels there is a fair solution, and anticipating potential obstacles or problems. This is the essence of "public administration."

If the company is very small, it might be just one person, like when I first started a few years ago. Back then, it was basically like a one-person company. At that time, there wasn't much to consider. I could just do what I wanted to do. Of course, I also had to decide how to allocate resources, but I had to consider fewer personnel issues. Now, of course, the scale is not large at all, but because I still handle many things by myself, I need to consider more things.

Therefore, I've been reading some of my previous papers on the theory and practice of public administration these past few days (they're really serious, not just fluff, but genuine academic articles), and I feel I've learned something and can apply it to my work.