Learning Curves: ADB Decentralization: Progress and Operational Performance

Abstract

The evaluation reviewed ADB’s decentralization progress to date in allocating staff, budgets, activities, responsibilities, and decision-making authority between headquarters (HQ) and RMs. It also discussed operational issues under the current decentralization model and provided recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of ADB’s operations. The evaluation covers activities of 24 RMs and 2 regional offices during 2000–2012. It used a mixed evaluation approach of qualitative and quantitative analysis based on reviews of relevant corporate policies, reports, and evaluation studies; perception surveys and interviews of ADB staff, management and Board members, government officials, clients, and development partners; operational data and self-assessments provided by RMs; and data from various ADB databases. The evaluation also used eight case study field offices in Australia, Azerbaijan, Fiji, India, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, and Viet Nam.