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How to Address Principal / Agent Problem in Government

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Submitted By gnkanga
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How to address principal / Agent problem in government
Introduction
In the Nigerian public sector is eminent that agents being the civil servants do not buy in to the principals (government) goals and objective despite the ever increasing demand for performance and accountability in the public sector. This assignment seeks to address the principal agent problem in the Nigerian government.
To address the principal agent problem in government, the core is a total organizational culture change for the civil servant, from a lackadaisical attitude to work to performance driven public service that align with the goals and objectives of the government . This can be achieved by
Quality Leadership: - this entail the application of democratic principles in decision making process based on the socio-economic and political needs especially as it concerns the allocation of resources in the society. Indeed good governance implies constitutionalism, rule of law and due process. There is therefore, the need for visionary, committed, focused, disciplined, purposeful, responsible, selfless and mentally resourceful leadership that has the capacity to positively manipulate and propel the civil service towards attaining a high degree of ethics and accountability
Orientation: - this is aimed at helping those who are newly employed in the service to become familiar with the culture of the organization. That is new employees should be acquainted with the history of the ministry or parastatal, job definition, job prospects, hazards, schedule of assignments, positions one may likely rise to among others. Most ministries and parastatals have formal and informal celebrations where members are celebrated at the end of the year and incentives given to staff that are hard working or have excelled in the performance of their duties.
Appraisal Service: A counselor in any establishment can offer appraisal service. Appraisal as the name suggests is an assessment of value judgment of someone. It involves the use of psychometric instruments to gather data on individuals to enable both the counselor and the client to understand themselves and the type of work one is suitable for them. And this could also be extended to reward hard working employees, who either excel in their technical competencies or emulate the desire behavior required on that role.
Improve the condition of service: there is need for an enabling condition of service to be created. This has to do mainly with adequate pay package and other economic incentives. If this servants will be discouraged from using unethical means in getting economic benefits from clients and the public in general
Strict adherence to policies, process and procedures: There is also the need to promote sound policies on recruitment, training and retraining of civil servants to effective service delivery. These policies will contribute immensely to enhancing and promoting professionalism, ethics and accountability.

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