Summary: In response to request from a national academy, GAO reviewed 12 governmentwide management improvement initiatives undertaken from 1970 through 1980.
GAO focused on Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars, major special projects and committees, and public laws mandating major management activities. In considering how to better sustain future major management initiatives, GAO observed that: (1) time and continuity in office are required to deal with the complex reform issues affecting governmentwide management; (2) a consensus should be developed concerning what constitutes good management in the federal context; and (3) reform initiatives should not be started without implementation planning. GAO further suggested that: (1) ineffectiveness in linking management and budget issues questions the viability of the original OMB concept; (2) demonstration to the executive agencies of OMB and Presidential leadership support for the reforms is necessary; and (3) statutory authorization would be helpful for management initiatives. Proposals by GAO and others include: (1) lending support to specific initiatives currently underway through the Executive Office of the President; (2) fostering full implementation of the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act; (3) supporting a commission for more effective government; (4) further strengthening the OMB management function; and (5) requiring by statute an annual President's management improvement agenda.
