Limitations of the Business Executive as Government Administrator

Abstract

AN IMPORTANT aspect of an emergency mobilization program is the recruitment by the federal government of competent personnel. While much has been said recently of the difficulties the government has encountered in hiring personnel at all levels, the problem of finding suitable personnel for the more responsible positions obviously has ,special importance. Persons occupying these positions participate in the administration of the vast powers over the national economy which reside in the executive branch of the government. Incompetence and inefficiency in these positions can do harm to the economy and even jeopardize the public welfare, especially during periods of national emergency. Fortunately these facts are widely recognized. Responsible citizens have become highly conscious of the growth of the executive powers within the past two decades and are mindful of their continued growth and of the manner in which those powers are exercised. Congress, too, is mindful of these matters, as it has demonstrated on numerous occasions. Since the advice and consent of the Senate are necessary for appointments to the highest administrative positions, senators have been particularly concerned about the qualifications of persons selected for these posts. Although the President's choice is generally confirmed, the Senate does not fail to scrutinize closely any candidate it suspects of being incompetent or unfit or to withhold its consent where there appears reason to do so. During World War II, when employment in the war agencies was expanding rapidly, several senators became concerned about the experience and competence of the persons appointed not only to the highest administrative positions but to all responsible administrative positions. Accordingly, in I943, consideration was given to a bill requiring Senate confirmation of all appointments at salaries of $4,500 or more a year. Since the Senate is not a suitable body to screen the qualifications of candidates for many of these positions, it was fortunate that the bill failed to pass. Nevertheless, the fact that a bill of this sort was even seriously considered serves to indicate the length to which some senators have been willing to go to assure that administrative positions are filled by the best qualified persons.