Staff transfer and management in the government health sector in Balochistan, Pakistan: Problems and context

Despite the existence of rigid civil service systems in many developing cou ntries providing relative stability of public officials, staff postings and transfers are often based on short-term political criteria. This means hig h staff circulation in key government posts, leading to a situation of 'ins tability within stability'. This article analyses high staff circulation in the government health services in Balochistan, Pakistan. The analysis is b ased on literature review, a small pilot study and authors' experience in t he province. The article notes that high staff turnover and, more specifica lly, circulation are context-specific. Four issues are raised. Firstly, the extent of staff turnover is analysed and references are made to its freque ncy, the organization and cadre. Secondly, the social and political underpi nning of high staff circulation is outlined: political patronage, low imple mentation of rules, staff preferences-and public sector control. Thirdly, t he problems of staff turnover are raised with specific reference to the pro blems of continuity, change and participation. Fourthly, the issue of solut ions is raised at two levels: structural change to lessen high staff turnov er, and dealing with it on a day-to-day managerial level. Lastly, substanti ve and methodological issues are raised with respect to taking the analysis further. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.