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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Inertia in African Public Administration: An Examination of Some Causes and Remedies
Author:Asibuo, S.K.ISNI
Year:1992
Periodical:Africa Development: A Quarterly Journal of CODESRIA (ISSN 0850-3907)
Volume:17
Issue:4
Pages:67-80
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:development
public administration
Politics and Government
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/43658276
Abstract:After independence African States created many institutions and agencies to favour socioeconomic development. However, these public organizations face several difficulties which make them inefficient and unresponsive to change. This paper examines some of the causes of one problem, namely inertia, in African public administration and suggests possible solutions. Factors causing inertia include the sheer size of the civil service; excessive centralization of decisionmaking authority; inadequate delegation of authority and responsibility; rigid adherence to rules and procedures; poor attitudes to work and authority; a shortage of qualified personnel; and a political and constitutional environment which is not conducive to risk-taking. Inertia in the administration may also be caused by unwillingness to alter a programme in which a government organization has invested a great deal; decisionmaking through the committee system and political instability. The author proposes as possible remedies decentralization; the education of senior officers to share responsibility and the revision of outmoded procedures to suit current changes. In order to overcome irresolution and lack of initiative, and to attract administrators of high calibre, efforts should be directed at a system of proper selection and training. Service based on merit must be established and the morale in the civil service must be improved. Ensuring reasonable salaries and adequate social security schemes is essential. Finally, a regular system of transfer of public officials is recommended. Ref., sum. in French.
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