Legislators make difficult choices with competing priorities and with finite resources available. Resource allocation decisions made during the budget process communicate the government's priorities. These goals and objectives must be communicated clearly to government employees throughout the hierarchy to ensure that they are working towards the same ends. These assignments minimize duplication of tasks, but also ensure that someone is responsible for completing each function. Once objectives have been established, responsibility assigned, authority delegated and resources allocated to individuals, they must answer for their stewardship to those above them in the hierarchy.
Accountability flows upward through the hierarchy.
Objectives Government objectives are pursued through centralization, which allows it to benefit from its large purchasing power and to ensure that managers adhere to Governmentwide policies. Line personnel within ministries are expected to deliver and manage programs in accordance with government objectives. They are aided by specialized staff departments within each ministry which offer expert advice and assistance in areas such as finance and personnel. Ministries often appoint one of their employees to represent a central agency. For example, a ministry Communications Director represents the Government Communications Office.