Federal Bureaucracy and The challenge of Effectiveness Hakim - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Federal Bureaucracy and The challenge of Effectiveness Hakim Guidoum North Carolina Central University

Presentation Outline • Why bureaucracy and effectiveness ? • Development of the federal bureaucracy in the United States • Comparative view of the American bureaucracy • Size and effectiveness • Political influence on bureaucratic performance • What is the alternative ?

Why bureaucracy and effectiveness ? • A current major debate • Two completely different visions • Academic debate with ideological and political background

Development of the federal bureaucracy in the United States • Spoils system • Civil service reform act (1883) • The rise of the welfare state • The Hatch Act ( 1939) • National security bureaucracy

Development of the federal bureaucracy in the United States • Source: Office of Management and Budget, A New Era of Responsibility Renewing America’s Promise, Table S-1. (2010).

Comparative view of the American bureaucracy • Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Tables 1.1.5 ( 2010).

Size and effectiveness • Bureaucracy growth is an inevitable step to accommodate the development of society. • Bureaucracy growth is driven by public demands, political preferences, and interests groups. • Downsizing bureaucracy without study can have a negative impact on its effectiveness.

Political influence on bureaucratic performance • Bureaucratic performance is related to political balances • Major government agencies are led by politicians • The issue of discretion

What is the alternative ? • Bureaucracy remains the best available option. • Academic debate on the size of federal bureaucracy. • More balance between federal bureaucracy and local bureaucracies. • Outsourcing can help if its social implications are considered.

Questions