The purpose of this paper is to present an institutional overview of the budgeting systems that are employed during three major periods: pre‐1960s, post‐1960s and 1990s to present…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an institutional overview of the budgeting systems that are employed during three major periods: pre‐1960s, post‐1960s and 1990s to present New Public Management (NPM budgeting) in five Caribbean countries: Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Belize, Guyana and Jamaica.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper looks at the budgeting systems that are employed during the period of colonial rule, when the countries attained independence and the budget system that is presently employed. It relies heavily on the financial regulations to explain the procedures that are employed in budgeting during the pre‐independence period.
Findings
It suggests that while the budgeting systems during the pre‐1960s may have been effective, given the scope and functions of government at that period, as countries attained independence the systems would have been found to be inadequate to meet the needs of the country since the scope and size of public sector activities would have increased considerably. The paper then examines the attempt by the various countries, during the 1980s and 1990s, as they attempted to introduce New Financial Management Initiatives as one aspect of the move towards NPM. While a number of these countries attempted to introduce the foundation on which to introduce the initiative, however, it is found that there are a number of challenges in introducing these changes. The paper accordingly examines some of these challenges.
Originality/value
This paper is to date the only attempt to assess budgeting in Caribbean territories.
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Examines the extent to which the introduction of a “new” model of management in the public sector has led to a realignment in the roles, responsibilities, and relationships…
Abstract
Examines the extent to which the introduction of a “new” model of management in the public sector has led to a realignment in the roles, responsibilities, and relationships between the policy‐makers, the bureaucracy and civil society in Trinidad and Tobago. Suggests that the introduction of new public management in the public services of Trinidad and Tobago has led to changes in the structure, culture and functioning of the public sector. Argues that while there were tensions between the politician and the administrator during the post‐independence period these were, to a large extent, kept in check by the rules and regulations that were part and parcel of the traditional method of administration. The introduction of principles of new public management in 1991 and the stress on greater autonomy and a more “fluid” bureaucratic arrangement, however, have fundamentally altered the power relationships between the politician and the administrator so that the division between the political sphere and the administrative sphere has become increasingly blurred. With respect to the civil society, concludes that with the exception of certain non‐governmental organizations, the wider civil society continues to have a minimal input in either policy formulation or execution.
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Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are plural societies in the Commonwealth Caribbean in which two major ethnic groups, the Africans and the East Indians, vie for state control and…
Abstract
Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are plural societies in the Commonwealth Caribbean in which two major ethnic groups, the Africans and the East Indians, vie for state control and power. Since the early pre‐independence period in both these countries, electoral outcomes have reflected ethnic cleavages. However, this kind of ethnic divisiveness has not been confined to the political environment alone, but to a large extent has permeated the public sectors of these countries as well. This article will accordingly examine the extent to which allegations of ethnic imbalances are a reality in the public sectors of these two Caribbean countries, and the mechanisms that have been introduced to resolve ethnic imbalances in these countries. Finally it seeks to assess the relative successes or failures of these mechanisms.
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Nancy J. Adler and Joyce S. Osland
Whereas most societal commentators continue to review the historical patterns of men’s leadership in search of models for 21st-century success, few have begun to recognize, let…
Abstract
Whereas most societal commentators continue to review the historical patterns of men’s leadership in search of models for 21st-century success, few have begun to recognize, let alone appreciate, the equivalent patterns of women’s leadership and the future contributions that women could potentially make as leaders. What could and are women bringing to society as global leaders? Why at this moment in history is there such a marked increase in the number of women leaders? Are we entering an era in which both male and female leaders will shape history, both symbolically and in reality? And if so, will we discover that women, on average, lead in different ways than men, or will we learn that role (global leader) explains more than gender? This chapter reveals the accelerating trends of women joining men in senior leadership positions, establishes the relationship of women leaders to our overall understanding of global leadership, and sets forth an agenda to accomplish much needed research and understanding.