Administrative reform in developing countries: A comparative perspective

This study investigates administrative reform in seven Arab states, delineates common problems and describes general tendencies via content analysis of official statements. The study deals with reform in three major phases: defining administrative problems and needs; developing strategies for reform...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Public administration and development 1988-01, Vol.8 (1), p.85-97
Main Author: Jreisat, Jamil E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration
Administrative procedure
Arab states
Comparative study
Developing nations
Iraq
Jordan
Morocco
Public administration
Reform
Saudi Arabia
Sudan
Syria
Yemen Arab Republic
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Summary:This study investigates administrative reform in seven Arab states, delineates common problems and describes general tendencies via content analysis of official statements. The study deals with reform in three major phases: defining administrative problems and needs; developing strategies for reform; and developing instruments of action for implementation. Appraisal of reform efforts discloses mediocre results based on a poor implementation record attributable to incongruities of methods and objectives of reform. Among such incongruities are the conventional limitations of bureaucracy, the copying of Western administrative rationality in form if not in substance, and insufficient attention paid to traditional, cultural, religious, and political contexts of administration. Recognizing the difficulties involved in conceptualizing and implementing reform in any society, the analysis offers several recommendations to improve the outcome of reform efforts, among them: encouraging employee involvement in reform decisions; improving collected diagnostic data; providing special training for employees responsible for managing reform; soliciting unwavering political commitment; developing incentive systems; and replacing the piecemeal approach with reliance on a systems perspective.
ISSN:0271-2075
1099-162X
DOI:10.1002/pad.4230080108