ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the role and impact of politics on public service human resource management systems and service delivery in Malawi. It presents an overview of the context in which the Malawian public service operates followed by a discussion of the politics and administration interface as a theoretical framework for the ensuing discussion. The chapter examines the role of ministers and principal secretaries in public policy processes and their roles in public service human resource management functions particularly in relation to recruitment, promotion, discipline and transfer. The public service largely consists of educated, well-trained and career-oriented personnel. The democratic transition to multiparty politics in 1994 transformed the public service. Scholars belonging to the political school reject the politics–administration distinction as they view public administration to be an inseparable part of the political process. Policy monitoring relates to ensuring that a policy is working towards achieving the objectives of an organization.
