Implementation of the Reorganization of the Asian Development Bank: A Review of Progress After One Year

Abstract

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) undertook a review in 2001 of its organizational structure to enhance its development effectiveness in the face of the changing global agenda and the evolving needs of its developing member countries (DMCs). Subsequently, a decision was taken for a reorganization1 to become effective on 1 January 2002. A review of underlying business processes was also undertaken in 2001; new business processes (NBP) came into effect at the same time as the reorganization. An internal progress report (this Review) was provided for at the time of the reorganization’s approval, to be undertaken 1 year after its implementation. This Review examines progress in implementing the reorganization. It covers the main features of organizational change, status of implementation, attainment of organizational changes in achieving major objectives, and issues that have emerged. An independent assessment is to be undertaken 2 years after the reorganization to consider more directly its impact on strategy and programs in DMCs. A separate review of the NBP is to be carried out in the second half of 2003. This Review was carried out through a structured program of consultations and information gathering within ADB, with the paper on Reorganization as its starting point. The views of DMCs were obtained through a questionnaire circulated through the resident missions (RMs).