Technical Co-operation for Administrative Improvement

Abstract

The program providing aid in administrative improvements in governments is extensive. Need for improve ment is found in all levels and branches of government. Ap proaches to management improvement include the individual expert or adviser, the contract, and the development of local institutions. Problems in this field are those arising from the formerly dependent status of a country; those resulting from the new independent status; and administrative problems of developing countries. The United States adviser should not try to transplant our methods of management to the host coun try, but should try to find solutions adaptable to the culture of a particular nation. He usually trains host government per sonnel and looks for promising trainees. The mature leading officials prefer on-the-job training, and in-service programs have been instituted in many countries. Academic training is effective at the junior level only. A better known aspect of technical co-operation is that of training foreign officials and students in the United States; it is also an important part of technical co-operation in management. Training grants may involve academic training, observation, organized experience, or a combination of these. Observation tours are usually com bined with other forms of training. There have been some outstanding accomplishments in the management improvement program of technical assistance, however, there is need for further activity in this field.—Ed.