ABSTRACT
One of the biggest problems of the country in both the private and public sectors is the limited decision-making capabilities of Venezuelan leadership. Considering the current financial difficulties of the Venezuelan government, a small and flexible agency or centre could co-ordinate training and educational strategies for public administration among public and private institutions. The current crisis, however, as well as increasing political and social demands requires better performance from public administration. From the overview of Public Administration studies in Venezuelan universities and non-government institutes, the Institute of Higher Administration Studies (IESA) stands out for its remarkable and pioneering role in management studies. Venezuelan scholars call financial resources renta petrolera, and the link between the oil rent and politics is a key element in understanding both the expansion and the inefficiency of Venezuelan public administration. A significant effort to improve public servants' education and training is clearly needed in Venezuela.
