GAO 1966-1981: An Administrative History
Abstract
In this document, the project team worked to record the story of the forces and events that shaped GAO's evolution from 1966 to 1981. During this time major changes occurred in the Federal Government and in society. GAO changed also; it tried to become more responsive to congressional as well as societal needs and to maintain the professionalism of its staff and its products. More specifically, this is the record of what occurred inside GAO during the 15 years. By focusing on the challenges GAO faced and its efforts to meet them, this document portrays GAO's internal developments and directions in the context of the social and governmental climates which inevitably shaped them. The facets covered include managing the agency, major organizational changes, developing an interdisciplinary staff, and efforts to improve GAO's work products. Presented in three parts, the document first discusses GAO's external relationships-how it strove to serve the Congress and worked to make the Government more effective and accountable. Covered next are internal management and organizational issues, such as managing the agency, GAO's legislative charter, and program planning. Last are the operational matters affecting the scope. quality, and impact of GAO's work, such as implementing the team concept, human resource management. and the regional offices' role. Because GAO is a Federal agency, many issue sit faces are like those of other governmental institutions-its bureaucracy: regional/headquarters relationships; maintaining effective planning, budgeting, and support systems; and equal employment opportunity. Many of its problems should be viewed in this context. In other ways, GAO is unique. It is one of the world's largest government accounting and auditing institutions and the only such institution devoting a major share of its resources to program evaluation. It is a legislative support agency which must maintain objectivity and independence to be effective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- AD1118888
Entities
People
- Barbara Schmitt
- Kathi F. Mcgraw
- Roger L. Sperry
- Timothy D. Desmond
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office