Author: Broad, Robin

Source: Development in Practice, Volume 17, Numbers 4-5, August 2007 , pp. 700-708(9)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

This article looks at 'knowledge management', using a case study of the World Bank's research department, located in the Bank's Development Economics Vice-Presidency (DEC). Despite the Bank's presentation of its research arm as conducting 'rigorous and objective' work, the author finds that the Bank's 'knowledge management' involves research that has tended to reinforce the dominant neo-liberal globalisation policy agenda. The article examines some of the mechanisms by which the Bank's research department comes to play a central role in what Robert Wade has termed 'paradigm maintenance', including incentives in hiring, promotion, and publishing, as well as selective enforcement of rules, discouragement of dissonant views, and manipulation of data. The author's analysis is based both on in-depth interviews with current and former World Bank professionals and on examination of the relevant literature.

Keywords: Governance and Public Policy; Aid; Methods

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09614520701470094

Affiliations: 1: International Development Program, School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC, USA

Publication date: 2007-08-01

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