Public Administration ETDs

Publication Date

5-25-1970

Abstract

This study examines and documents the history, establishment, and effectiveness of Federal Executive Boards (FEBs) in an intra- and intergovernmental and interagency mechanism designed to increase the effectiveness, economy, coordination, and cooperation of Federal agencies and as a communicative device to link federal field officials to Presidential public policy priorities. The study was motivated by an observed need for documentation of the setting and problems which bring about the establishment of Presidentially designated intergovernmental coordinative devices. But even more important, to portray successes and accomplishments of the Boards in such a way that other FEBs and progressive State and local governments would be motivated to action to adapt the concept to their needs and problems and to carry out similar worthwhile and useful projects. Methodology consisted of examining, reviewing, and analyzing all documents relating to the establishment of the Boards, the communications to and from the Boards, the response from the Boards to Presidential directives and policy priorities including a thorough analysis and review of all reported accomplishments. The resulting Significant Reported Accomplishments Matrix not only documents the most significant accomplishments of the Boards but also encourages other Boards and organizations to request information on successful projects and implement or sponsor similar projects in response to locally identified needs. Beginning as a Presidential idea, Federal Executive Boards have grown into a significant force for improved management of Federal activities in many of the nation's largest cities. By bringing together the principal representatives of each Federal agency in each city, the Boards have fostered improved communication and coordination between them. At the same time excellent communications have been established between the Boards and Washington so that the field executives can learn quickly of national programs which have Presidential interest and can also secure support for their activities from the highest level of Government. To meet the demands of our increasingly complex society, Government has become more and more specialized. This has led in turn to a growing need for improved coordination between the various Federal agencies, and between the Federal family and other governmental jurisdictions. Without infringing on the authority of individual agencies, the Boards serve this need by ensuring that program managers are exposed to each other's projects and problems, by keeping in constant perspective the fact that Federal agencies represent one government, and by striving to improve liaison with other units of government at the grass roots level. While the Federal Executive Boards have successfully achieved many objectives, it has been characteristic of their operation that, as new programs are undertaken, more and more possibilities for Board action become apparent. The FEBs represent something new in Government--a new force driving toward greater unity of purpose and better focus of the total Federal effort. The result is a step toward better Government, to better serve the American people.

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Albert H. Rosenthal

Second Committee Member

Lloyd Wilber Wooruff

Third Committee Member

John Mace Hunger

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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