Publication: Governance in Service Delivery in the Middle East and North Africa
Date
2017-01
ISSN
Published
2017-01
Author(s)
University of Gothenburg
Abstract
This paper examines the clientelistic
equilibrium that remains prevalent in much of the Middle
East and North Africa (MENA) region during the
post-independence period, undermining service delivery and
creating inequality in access. Political institutions and
social practices that shape incentives for policymakers,
service providers, and citizens create what can be called a
potentially tenuous, “clientelistic equilibrium.” Service
delivery is influenced by political institutions that allow
for the capture of public jobs and service networks, and by
social institutions that call upon individuals to respond
more readily to members of their social networks than to
others. The result is poor quality service delivery (e.g.,
absenteeism, insufficient effort), difficulties in access
(e.g., need for bribes, connections), and inequalities in
the provision of services.
Citation
“University of Gothenburg. 2017. Governance in Service Delivery in the Middle East and North Africa. World Development Report Background Paper;. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/26201 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”