How Important Is the State for Effective Development Management - Coursework Example

The s play an important role in ensuring that the process of development management is effective. Development management refers to a process of management and coordination of various development projects and programs. The most dominant paradigm in this process of development management is the intervention of foreign organizations by giving aid or loans for projects aimed at developing a state (Clapham, 2002). The primary target of this aid includes third world countries. However, not all third world or developing countries normally depend on aid. An example is India, whose large proportion of budget is financed by the country. This paper examines this concept of development management, and it looks at the roles which the state plays in ensuring the success of various development projects in the country. This paper takes a stand that without the support of the state, it is difficult for any development projects to be successful. Acemoglu and Robinson (2012) explained that development management is a term that is used to refer to the achievements that a state obtain by using limited resources in finance, time, material, and manpower with the intention of developing their regions. A state refers to an organized community that lives under one government. A state may be sovereign. A sovereign state refers to a situation whereby the country under consideration has the capability of enacting policies that are to their own interest. When enacting these policies, the states must not be under any external influence. Brinkerhoff (2008) suggested that a state refers to a political institution that has the capability of monopolizing its sovereignty over a given territory. Furthermore, the state has the capability of enforcing its policies by use of legitimate force found within its boundary. The major characteristic of a state is its ability to use force for purposes of controlling its territory. Because of the control of these territories, a state has an obligation to ensure that it serves the needs of its citizens (Brinkerhoff, 2008). This is through initiating development activities within its territories. However, the degree and extent of the involvement of a state in the development and economic affairs of their regions varies from one state to another. This is because different states normally adopt different types and forms of governance (Fritz and Menocal, 2007). Take for example a democratic type of government. A democracy is a form of government whereby all eligible members of a state are allowed to participate equally in a political process. This is by electing their representatives, either directly or indirectly. The manner in a democratic state functions is different from the manner in an authoritarian state functions. This is because in a democracy, there are “checks and balances” that ensure an effective utilization of the resources that the state controls (Fritz and Menocal, 2007). This is as opposed to a totalitarian regime where the form of governance is not inclusive. Most democratic governments are found in Western Europe, America, and some parts of Africa. Because of the participation of each and every member in the political process, a democratic government (state) is always stable (Lockwood, 2006). This makes it possible for the government to initiate the various development projects. This includes the building of roads, hospitals, schools and hospitals. Acemoglu and Robinson (2012) explained that one of the major roles of the state is that it is the main actor and solution to the development activities and problems within the country. The state is responsible for the provision of services that can help in promoting development activities within the country. These services include the provision of security, which is an important factor that contributes to the development of a state. It is virtually impossible for development agencies to develop and implement development policies in a state that is lawless (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). Development of a good road network is another important service that the state can provide. Roads help in improving the accessibility of regions, and making it easy for the free flow of goods and people. Furthermore, the state has the responsibility of providing labour, for purposes of ensuring that development projects are implemented. The state normally aims at achieving this process by building schools, and initiating policies and measures aimed at promoting education. These schools are responsible for training people, and releasing them to the job market. In as much as the state facilitates the development of its region through the provision of the named services, it has the responsibility of identifying and finding a solution to the developmental problems that its citizens face (Brinkerhoff, 2008). This includes finding a solution to problems such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, and poor governance. It is important to explain that corruption is one of the major factors or elements that can negatively affect the development of a state. This is because chances are high that money or resources to be used for development, may be mismanaged, or embezzled. Based on this fact, it is necessary to put in measures aimed at fighting corruption. Poor governance can also affect the manner in which the state or NGO implement development activities. Poor governance is depicted when the state begins to allocate resources in a discriminate manner. Acemoglu and Robinson (2012) suggested that for the state to achieve efficiency in finding a solution to the primary problems affecting it, it must not discriminate on the regions. Discrimination is one of the factors that normally prevent effective management and implementation of development programs within a country. Take for instance in third world countries, specifically Kenya, Congo and Uganda (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). The leadership of these countries are always accused of initiating development projects or programs, in regions where their presidents have enormous support. This means that any person, who takes over power, would want to ensure that his or her region benefits firsts, before other regions are able to get a share of the developmental projects that the state controls (Migdal, 2004). This is the reason why there were ethnic clashes in the 2007 Kenyan presidential elections. The two major ethnic tribes in the country were fighting for the position of leadership. It is therefore important to denote that equal distribution of development would most definitely result to conflicts within the state (Clapham, 2002). This is because there would be competition of resources, resulting from the failure of the state to promote cohesion and equal development within the country. Lack of cohesion and inequity in development will most likely result to political instability within a state. To prevent the emergence of political instability, there is a need of developing institutions that would promote good governance (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). This includes an independent judiciary, legislature, and police. Political instability has an effect of hindering any development initiative that the state may carry out. This is because the private sector will be reluctant to invest in it. Countries that are stable are the ones which promote democracy and inclusive leadership (Mackintosh, 1992). Countries such as the US, France and Britain are considered stable and developed because of their strong democratic tendencies or ability. These countries are able to achieve efficiency in finding a solution to the various developmental problems they face, and effectively implement the solution under consideration. This is because they have strong governance institutions, which holds administrators responsible for their various actions and activities (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). Take for example United States of America. United States is considered as the dominant economy in the world. The reason for achieving this status is based on good leadership that is grounded upon the rule of law. The US government has a structure on the separation of powers, where the legislature, judiciary and the executive constantly check the activities of each arm of government (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). This system is so efficient to the extent that the legislature, one arm of government, can paralyse all the activities of the executive. This is better depicted in 2012, where the legislature wanted to delay the implementation of the affordable care act, by denying the federal government some funds (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). The reason for separation of powers is to ensure there is good governance, hence effective implementation of development projects or programs. Good governance is also depicted through the economic system that a state adopts (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). For example, liberalization of the economy plays a great role in ensuring that there is accountability and transparency in the manner which administrators implement policies. This is the reason the IMF and World Bank advocated for the structural adjustment policies in the 1990s (Fritz and Mendez, 2007). These policies aimed at ensuring that developing countries were able to liberalize their economies. It is important to denote that the World Bank is a financial institution that is controlled by the major powers such as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Japan (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). The conditions that the World Bank gives for any country to qualify in acquiring loans or capital are the following (Fritz and Mendez, 2007), Liberalization of the economies that are closed. Promotion of democracy. Fighting corruption. Initiating a series of austerity programs. The World Bank was of the opinion that a closed economy, authoritarianism, and a huge public wage bill are the major factors that results to the poor economic and social development (Fritz and Mendez, 2007). It is based on these factors that the World Bank forced countries seeking loans and funds to implement these measures. This is because the World Bank identified that the policies developed by states can play a role in developing or destroying their economies. Acemoglu and Robinson (2012) explained that as an institution, states can play a role in undermining development. For example, a bloated government would ensure that a large percentage of money goes to the payment of salaries and wages. This is an indication that there is insufficient amount t of money that can help the government to initiate a series of developmental activities (Clapham, 2002). This is the reason World Bank emphasized on the need of implementing austerity programs, observe the rule of the law, and ensure a transparent government as a condition of receiving aid. A government that supports the rule of law, and is transparent in its implementation of the law, helps in averting corruption. Clapham (2002) argued that countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, lose millions of dollars annually in corrupt schemes. This money could have been used for purposes of initiating development activities or programs. Promotion of democracy is therefore a sure way of ensuring that the government is accountable for its economic activities. Furthermore, democratic institutions normally follow the rule of law philosophy (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). That is, their activities and actions are guided by the legal position of the actions under consideration. Liberalization of the economy is an important aspect that a state can engage in. This is because it would attract foreign investments. An example is China, which in 1970s; the country was poor and could not afford to feed its people. In the 1980s, the country began liberalizing its economy, and this led to the growth of its economy (Mwanzia and Strathdee, 2010). Currently, China’s economy is considered as the second biggest economy in the world. In conclusion, the effective of a state in developing its regions is determined by a variety of factors. One important factor is whether the capability of the state to identify development problems and the kind of services it provides for purposes of ensuring that development projects are initiated, and implemented. Countries such as America, United Kingdom, France and Japan have a series of measures aimed at identifying and solving particular developmental problem. This is the reason why their economies are stable, and they are efficient in serving the various needs of its people. Good governance or leadership normally comes with democracy. This is because a democratic system has put in places checks and balances, aimed at ensuring the elected leaders are effective in conducting the affairs of the state. Promotion of transparency and accountability is one of the major factors that may make a state to be effective in handling in initiating and implementing developmental programs. Bibliography: Acemoglu, D. and Robinson, J.A. 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