Traditions in Asia

This chapter uses the lens of political-administrative traditions to shine a light on the question of advising executives in Asian contexts. It establishes that while the traditions of political-administrative dichotomy and the institution of ministerial advisers are found in some Asian countries and areas, in others a history of colonisation and conflictual decolonisation has often compromised the institutionalisation of the political-administrative dichotomy and corresponding norms of civil service neutrality. Moreover, in contexts where there are Marxist-Leninist and Socialist, Confucian, and Muslim state traditions, the political-administrative dichotomy is less relevant. Political control over the civil service in many Asian countries is exerted through politicised appointments, long time one-party rule, and alternate structures ranging from presidential staff, ministerial advisers, government-appointed policy units and advisory committees, and multi-party consultation conferences. Political advice in these countries often comes from civil servants, while external experts provide alternative skills, knowledge, and ideas that are not available in the civil service. Finally, unlike some non-Asian contexts, political control over the civil service in Asia does not always concern adding a defensive mechanism such as the ministerial adviser: the religious and cultural traditions in these countries are underlying and embedded in the ‘political’ values and goals of governing politicians, and are a source of political advice without the contentious struggles over the agency bargains in the ‘executive triangle’.