Member's Documents
Comparative Study of Multilateral Development Bank Operating Models
Published by: Independent Development Evaluation, African Development Bank
Findings show that decentralization has contributed to enhanced client relations and responsiveness but poses challenges like maintaining cohesion and career progression for local staff in some organizations. MDBs have also adopted various "One Bank" approaches to break down silos and improve internal collaboration, but success has been mixed, with some organizations struggling to implement cohesive strategies.
Synergies between SO and NSO operations have been pursued, with joint project development and collaboration yielding positive results in some instances. However, challenges remain, such as aligning incentives and coordinating units. The study noted that few MDBs track progress on decentralization, the "One Bank" approach, or SO/NSO collaboration in their results frameworks, limiting their ability to monitor success.
Key lessons include the necessity of setting clear decentralization objectives, implementing strong monitoring systems, and fostering collaboration between SOs and NSOs. A well-defined "One Bank" vision, supported by incentives, is important to enhance cohesion and operational success.
