Understanding the Prismatic Society Theory

The question asks about the scholar who proposed the well-known theory of prismatic society in the field of comparative public administration. This theory is a significant contribution to understanding how administrative systems function in different types of societies, especially developing ones.

Who Propounded the Prismatic Society Theory?

The theory of prismatic society was propounded by the renowned scholar Fred W. Riggs. While the option provided lists "Rigas", this is understood to refer to Fred W. Riggs, whose work in comparative public administration, particularly the prismatic society theory, is highly influential.

Riggs developed this theory as part of his broader analysis of administrative systems in different societies. He categorized societies into three main types:

• Fused Society: This represents a traditional society with low differentiation of structures and functions. Roles are diffuse.
• Diffracted Society: This represents a modern, industrialized society with high differentiation of structures and specialization of functions. Roles are specific.
• Prismatic Society: This is the transitional society, falling between the fused and diffracted types. It exhibits characteristics of both, often leading to complexity and unique administrative challenges. Riggs used the metaphor of a prism diffracting light to illustrate how undifferentiated functions in a fused society become partially differentiated in a prismatic society.

Within the model of the prismatic society, Riggs introduced concepts like "sala" (representing a bureaucratic office with both traditional and modern characteristics) to describe the mixed nature of administrative structures. The prismatic society theory helps explain phenomena like nepotism, corruption, and formalism often observed in developing countries.

Therefore, based on the work of Fred W. Riggs, the theory of prismatic society was indeed propounded by him, corresponding to the option listing "Rigas". His prismatic society theory remains a key analytical tool in comparative public administration.