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In their diversity, developing countries present a richness of experience in grappling with the challenge of both governance and modernization. Public administration has been an integral part of this experience. Some have viewed it as the agent of modernization and governance. Others have chosen to either vilify or victimize public administration for its efforts.
It is possible to find commonalities and similarities in the various interpretations and experiences of developing societies. In conclusion, this monograph offers some generalizations that can help to focus one s thinking about the future challenges to be met:
The varied and complex tasks to be performed by public administration are an ongoing process
which is influenced by changing ideologies, governing styles and societal values. This makes the
study and practice of public administration dynamic with regard to both its structures and
processes;
A greater role for the private sector in national development has shifted the responsibilities of
public administration away from directing the economy to managing it. This has heightened the
need to increase public administration's capacity in coordination and conflict resolution through
the effective management of legal and regulatory frameworks;
The commitment to market principles also applies to greater efficiency and res
ponsiveness in the internal management practices of the public sector at all levels of government. Efforts to decentralize and privatize, and a new reliance on public-private partnerships highlight the need to develop creative and innovative approaches in the performance of public administration;
Many important issues in public policy are political in nature. While administrative capabilities
can and should be strengthened in many areas, major breakthroughs and efforts for sustainable
change require political will to reorient the way resources are allocated in society.
