Structure

ADMINISTRATION 
The developing world, characterised by a conspicuous heterogeneity in its 
political, economic, social and cultural systems, also finds itself in the company 
of variegated administrative systems. Wherever there is common colonial 
heritage as in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, certain commonalities 
do prevail in the administrative systems such as the secretariat administration, 
district system and the revenue administration, yet all nations have also evolved 
their indigenous patterns that distinguish them from the rest of the developing 
world. In spite of the marked variations in the structure and behavioural patterns 
in the bureaucratic systems, there do remain perceptible common patterns of 
administrative systems devoted to development administration. It should 
nevertheless be accepted that the dichotomy between development and non-
development administration does not exist in a discernible manner and therefore 
the administrative characteristics in developing countries would apply to 
developmental as well as non-developmental settings, though in varying 
proportions. 
Mixed Values: Most developing nations exhibit values in development 
administration that are a blend of the legacy of the colonial past and the 
modernising values adopted after independence. As yet, bureaucrats show in the 
behaviour the traits of paternalism, elitism, aloofness and authoritarianism. A 
new pattern of values like empathy, sympathy and extension motivation are 
superimposed on the old value-set. Structurally, there are no development 
bureaucracies as such and in actual behaviour; generalist bureaucrats find 
themselves being shuffled between regulatory and development positions. Their 
attitude and orientation remain the same in both types of positions and the extra 
sensitivity or creativity that is expected in a development administrative system 
are found missing in bureaucrats. Little wonder, development administration is 
conducted on the lines of its hoarier companion, non-development 
administration. 
Efforts need to be made and some have already been made to inculcate among 
administrators attributes that can make them more positive to the requirements of 
development. Training can help in this respect, but it is overburdened with the 
responsibilities for improving knowledge and skills, rather than changing 
attitudes.

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