Brookings' Executive Conference Program

Abstract

THE career executive holds a key role in the operation of the federal government. He must provide the essential continuity and depth of understanding required for sound policymaking and effective execution of government programs. In significant measure, the welfare of our own citizens and of others around the globe depends directly upon his knowledge, ability, and moral character. The demands upon him require an unusual amount of understanding and insight concerning the operation of large organizations, the federal government, and the relationship between government and society. Meeting well the responsibilities and realizing fully the opportunities of such positions pose a significant challenge to the individual. Under the federal career system, which generally emphasizes specialization and encourages the development of careers within particular agencies, many able individuals rise to executive positions without the general background and broad perspectives essential to their task. In the past, no adequate provision has been made for the further development of these individuals. The Brookings Institution's Executive Conference Program is directed toward meeting this need. Original plans for the Program' envisioned an experimental series of residential conferences, two weeks or longer in duration and removed from Washington, D. C., where small groups of carefully selected top-level career executives could be given a significant developmental opportunity. Following such conferences the participants would be brought together in Washington for a succession of monthly seminars, where the interests developed during the conference and the work