Management Research in State and Local Governments

The forces of change—and the rate of change—pose a special challenge for government (since governments tend to support the status quo). The expanding roles of government, the political pressures on government, and the multiplicity of governments create a difficult managerial climate, particularly for the effective application of managerial research. The response to these difficulties is found in part in the work of the associations of governments, but there are a large number of these. What seems to be needed is a focal point—perhaps a corporation or association (created by and responsible to the major governmental associations)—to undertake or arrange for the accomplishment of governmental research and development in accord with a pattern of rational priorities.