Ineffectiveness of intergovernmental organization and programmes

Intergovernmental organization effectiveness is hampered by internal factors such as bureaucratic inefficiency, the absence of clearly defined goals, inter-agency rivalry and budget manipulations that undermine some programmes at the expense of others. Financial irregularities and mis-management may be alleged and these allegations can destroy confidence and monetary support by member nations. In some instances there has been a wasting of important resources by the duplication of programmes of other organizations or of governments. The single most important external obstacle to greater effectiveness by intergovernmental organizations is the absence of fully cooperative participation by member states, some of whom, in fact, may be intentionally obstructive in order to serve narrow, national interests.