Developing administrative capacity: an agenda for research and practice

Abstract

Administrative capacity is necessary for achieving policy success and preventing policy fiascoes. However, a fragmented literature, sparse empirics, and a focus on developed countries have led to a gap in examining how such capacity should be measured and built; particularly in developing contexts. This paper assesses administrative capacity frameworks, indices, and reforms with a specific focus on the organizational-operational dimension that is crucial to effective implementation, in order to provide recommendations for advancing the theory and practice of capacity building. Our observations suggest that both scholars and practitioners need to be more cognizant of the fact that capacity building is a continuous process, requiring specific assessment and measurement of the components of the organizational-operational dimension. Such components include enhancing administrative autonomy and competence, and arrangements incentivizing coordination and collaboration, while safeguarding adequate control and oversight.