Agencies' Tasks

Abstract

Governments may outsource executive tasks to agencies to improve service provision, increase efficiency, reduce conflicts of interest, and allow higher ministerial levels to focus on policy-making and strategic management. Administrative agencies are set up for various reasons, including to demonstrate independence, reduce the size and workload of departments, provide flexibility in human resources, ensure representativeness, and achieve coordination and uniformity. Agencies execute a wide range of tasks, such as providing guidance on delegated legislation, setting standards, regulating businesses and professions, administering the activities of other organizations, and providing goods and services. Delegating the day-to-day management of spending programs to specialized executive agencies has been a trend in public service reform over the last two decades. These tasks may include managing projects, adopting budget implementation instruments, and gathering and transmitting information to guide program implementation.