ABSTRACT
Although international organizations are frequently criticised for poor management, the problem originates with the administrative governance structure through which member states exercise control. The present system of governance generally re-enforces the hierarchical nature of the organizations and provides some reasons for senior administrators to avoid full responsibility for all their actions. Certain governance structures, particularly those of the larger IFIs, are costly and of doubtful effectiveness, given the resources that they consume. There is also a tendency for excessive micro-management by government representatives, who do not fully understand the administrative complexities of MIs. It is postulated that a more co-ordinated approach to administrative governance, on the part of governments, would result in more cost-effective institutions. This chapter will look at the record of four types of administrative governance and will examine which is the most effective from cost and accountability perspectives.
