INVESTIGATION ON BUREAUCRATIC REDTAPE AND ADMISNISTRATIVE BOTTLENECKS IN CAMEROON CIVIL SERVICE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Globally, there has been a surge in the use of terms like "Bureaucracy," and "Red Tape," and critique the inefficiency of government organizations, particularly the civil service in developing economies.  According to Jones, (2019), bureaucratic red tape encompasses the intricate procedures, rules, and regulations that bureaucracies frequently impose on individuals and organizations. This can result in delays and inefficiencies in decision-making and implementation processes. The bureaucratic procedures aim to promote accountability and compliance, but they can sometimes lead to an abundance of paperwork, unnecessary approvals, and inflexible adherence to protocols, which can impede the efficiency of work. In Thompson's (1961) work cited in Brown (2020).  he categorized the dysfunctions and inefficiencies caused by bureaucracy as "bureaupathology." Red tape is a bureaucratic issue that involves an abundance of unnecessary rules and procedures. Many view the presence of bureaucratic processes as a misuse of valuable resources. Similar to bureaucracy, the term "red tape" is often linked to government organizations. It is widely accepted among theorists and researchers that public organizations tend to exhibit greater levels of bureaucracy and red tape compared to their private counterparts. Discussions surrounding discontent with the government often involve the mention of bureaucracy and excessive administrative procedures.

Undoubtedly, bureaucracy often leads to administrative bottlenecks, which can occur when there are obstacles or delays in the flow of information, resources, or decision-making within civil service organizations. Tchombe (2020) stated that these bottlenecks may occur for several reasons, such as hierarchical structures, outdated technologies, insufficient resource allocation, and organisational silos. Therefore, the delay in important tasks and decisions can have a negative impact on the delivery of public services and the overall effectiveness of government agencies. According to Agboola (2023), bureaucratic organizations are designed to be structured, equitable, and highly efficient. Nevertheless, despite the positive impact of bureaucracy on improving organisational efficiency, the civil service has encountered significant negative responses. Excessive bureaucracy and paperwork often result in negative experiences and inefficient operations.

Notably, Smith (2018) argued that in the public service sector, the heavy reliance on rules and regulations often hampers the flexibility, creativity, and innovation of workers. In public service bureaucracy, one often observes issues such as rigidities, resistance to change, impersonality of relations, and excessive aloofness. The process of appointing personnel into administrative positions is heavily influenced by political factors, such as favouritism and tribalism. Personnel lacking sufficient knowledge and credentials may be assigned to sensitive positions, which can have a detrimental effect on policy formulation and service delivery within the organization.

Statement of the problem

The nature of job performance in Civil Service like in Cameroon, is very appalling and far below expectation(s). It is a known fact that, the level of productivity cum performance in organizations have become very low and poor. The major reason for the poor job performance in the Civil Service in the words of Fonjong, (2018), is the bureaucratic features in the country however when red tape and bottleneck meddles in, it jeopardizes job performance in the Civil Service like in Cameroon where nearly all the offices one enter for a service, he or she would have to answer unnecessary question (either by writing or orally), and at times wait for God knows when (sometimes, one would have to return the next day or so), before he or she can be attended to. According to Sokoh (2023), falsification of document, slow decision making process and rank file procedures in the civil service (which has become so rampant), is a function of bureaucratic failure, and it has a negative effect on performance. Hence the Civil service in Cameroon has become characterized by high level incompetence, corruption, nepotism, embezzlement of funds and what have you.

Nkongho, (2019) mentioned that Bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks pose significant challenges within the civil service of Cameroon, hindering the efficient delivery of public services and impeding effective governance. Despite efforts to streamline processes and enhance accountability, the prevalence of bureaucratic red tape has led to excessive paperwork, redundant approvals, and delays in decision-making. Additionally, administrative bottlenecks within governmental structures have resulted in blockages and slowdowns in the flow of information, resources, and decision-making, leading to inefficiencies and frustration among civil servants and citizens alike. 

Although studies have been conducted in other developing countries like Nigeria regarding bureaucracy and public service delivery, there is paucity of data on key bureaucratic processes and regulations that civil servants in Cameroon encounter in their daily work, contributing to administrative delays and inefficiencies. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to investigate Bureaucratic redtape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service

Objective of the study

The major focus of this study is to investigate Bureaucratic redtape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service: Specifically, the study seeks to: 

Examine the prevalence of Bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service

Ascertain whether Bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service contributing to administrative delays and inefficiencies

Find out if Bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service affect the timely delivery of public services to citizens.

Research Questions

What is the prevalence of Bureaucratic redtape and admisnistrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service?

Does bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service contributing to administrative delays and inefficiencies?

Does bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service affect the timely delivery of public services to citizens?

1.5 Research hypotheses

Ho: Bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service has no significant affect the timely delivery of public services to citizens.

Ha: Bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service has significant affect the timely delivery of public services to citizens.

1.6 Significance of the study

The significance of studying bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks within the civil service of Cameroon lies in its potential to address systemic inefficiencies and improve the delivery of public services, ultimately enhancing governance and citizen satisfaction. 

Practically, by identifying and addressing bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks, the civil service can streamline its processes, leading to faster and more effective delivery of public services to citizens. This translates into tangible benefits for individuals and communities who rely on government services for their well-being and development. More so, theoretical insights derived from studying bureaucratic inefficiencies provide a basis for developing innovative policy solutions and reform strategies. By understanding the root causes of red tape and bottlenecks, policymakers can design interventions that target specific institutional weaknesses and promote organizational effectiveness.

Empirically, research on bureaucratic red tape and administrative bottlenecks stimulates academic discourse and shapes the research agenda in public administration and related fields. By generating new knowledge and insights, scholars contribute to ongoing debates and discussions on governance reform, organizational behavior, and public policy implementation.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of the study borders on Bureaucratic redtape and admisnistrative bottlenecks in Cameroon civil service. The content scope of the study will analyze the nature and extent of bureaucratic red tape, as well as the impact of administrative bottlenecks on the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery. Geographically, the study focuses specifically on Cameroon's Civil Service in Doula, considering the unique political, social, and economic context of the country.

1.8 Limitations of the study

While the study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis, certain limitations may arise, such as constraints related to data availability, access to certain regions or institutions, and the inherent challenges of measuring and assessing corruption. Firstly, limited availability of data or access to official government records may constrain the depth and breadth of the analysis. Due to the case study approach focusing on specific Civil servants in Doula Municipal, the findings may lack generalizability to other regions or countries. Therefore, caution will be exercised in extrapolating the results beyond the study context. More so, the study's sample selection process may introduce bias, as certain communities or demographic groups may be overrepresented or underrepresented. This could affect the validity and representativeness of the findings. Limited time and resources may restrict the scope of the study, impacting the depth of data collected and the comprehensiveness of the analysis. This could result in overlooking certain aspects or dynamics relevant to the research questions. Despite these limitations, the researcher will acknowledge and address these challenges transparently to enhance the credibility and rigor of the study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Bureaucratic Red Tape: Refers to the complex procedures, rules, and regulations imposed by bureaucratic organizations, often resulting in delays, inefficiencies, and obstacles in decision-making and implementation processes.

Administrative Bottlenecks: This occur when there are obstacles or delays in the flow of information, resources, or decision-making within organizations, particularly in civil service settings. These bottlenecks hinder the efficient delivery of public services and impede effective governance.

Bureaupathology: This refers to the dysfunctions and inefficiencies caused by bureaucracy, including issues such as excessive paperwork, rigid adherence to protocols, and resistance to change.

Red Tape: Similar to bureaucracy, it involves an abundance of unnecessary rules and procedures that can hinder efficiency and effectiveness in organizations, particularly government agencies.

Civil Service:  Civil service refers to the administrative branch of government responsible for implementing government policies and delivering public services. Civil servants are typically employed by government departments and agencies.