ABSTRACT
Despite the fact that they consume considerable resources, the general administrative support services are a relatively neglected part of management. Their budgets are often the first to be hit in a financial crisis, as “non-essential” maintenance is an easy target for cuts. Much of their work takes place behind the scenes, only noticed when something goes wrong, and the majority of service jobs are locally recruited and not much sought after by overseas candidates. However, within the general services function, there are operations that deserve close scrutiny and which often have the potential to be run more efficiently and cost-effectively than at present. Some of the statistics describing the general service activities of the larger MIs are impressive, but point to the need for simplification and rationalisation. General services professionals are frequently aware of the need for the type of improvements discussed below but they find it difficult to compete for the funding needed to change their operational effectiveness. More importantly, certain rational changes would challenge deeply held political views concerning prestige, language and location. If MIs could be freed from some of these artificial shackles more efficient use could be made of their resources.
