Resilient Public Service Provision after the Global Financial Crisis: The Case of Botswana

Type Journal Article - Public Sector Management in a Globalized World
Title Resilient Public Service Provision after the Global Financial Crisis: The Case of Botswana
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2017
Page numbers 161-201
URL https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-658-16112-5_9
Abstract
The paper assessed the extent to which government of Botswana was resilient in the provision of public services after the 2008 global financial crisis. The paper used a purposely sampled quantitative survey method and secondary data sources. Findings suggest the government provided public services due to the country’s long-standing history of good macro-economic management and monetary policy. However, one of the major negative effects was the budget deficit between 2009 and 2011, which the country experienced for the first time in its history. Foreign exchange reserves and other sources of revenue were used to compensate for the budget deficit. Findings suggest positive public perceptions of a government that has managed the economy and financial resources well after the financial crisis. The majority of respondents agreed with the government's decision to freeze the creation of new positions. However respondents felt government should have filled vacancies, adjusted public servants salaries, privatized non-performing enterprises and outsourced more public services. The paper suggests enhancing sustainability through reduction in expenditure during budgetary constraint and a focus on efficiency and effectiveness through monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs.

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