Administrative Inefficiency in Educational Institutions: Its Causes and Mechanisms for Reducing It – A Theoretical and Analytical Study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the concept of administrative inefficiency in educational institutions, analyze its causes, manifestations, and impacts, and explore the most important mechanisms proposed to reduce it in light of educational and administrative literature. The study adopted the descriptive-analytical (library-based) approach through reviewing and analyzing relevant Arabic and international books, scientific studies, and reports related to administrative inefficiency. The findings revealed that administrative inefficiency is a negative organizational phenomenon that adversely affects institutional performance and efficiency. It is associated with several organizational, human, and technological factors, including excessive centralization, administrative structure inflation, weak administrative planning, overlapping responsibilities, and limited implementation of electronic administration. The study also found that the most prominent manifestations of administrative inefficiency include complex procedures, slow transaction processing, bureaucratic practices, and weak administrative coordination. The results indicated that reducing this phenomenon requires adopting comprehensive reform measures such as simplifying administrative procedures, promoting e-administration, strengthening monitoring and follow-up systems, delegating authority, and developing administrative competencies. The study recommends implementing comprehensive administrative reform strategies to enhance the efficiency of educational institutions and improve the quality of their performance.