Dynamics of public servant- political leadership in the livestock sector in Malawi: an approach towards public finance management

Abstract

This paper examined power dynamics between elected political leaders and public servant leadership in managing public finances. Development of livestock is essential to the agricultural industry and has a big economic impact. The public budget, which supports the industry, provides a rich environment for the government's political economy. The study used cross-sectional descriptive and exploratory research design. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-Square test and analysis of variance) in SPSS version 20. The results showed that public servants have more authority and control over public finance management. Power in public finance management does not reside in one stakeholder but is volatile. Collaboration between public servants and politicians existed to achieve the objectives set by political and public servant leaders and ensure compliance with the public finance framework. The findings of this study are inferred to some extent from other public sectors in Malawi. Corruption and patronage compromise public finance management. Private interests influence civil servants, leading to regulatory capture and compromised regulatory enforcement. Further research would be required to establish how power is applied to motivate public servant leadership and political leadership and explore the dynamics at play within livestock sector and in other public sectors in Malawi.