Excellence in agricultural research

Abstract

The eight qualities which Peters and Waterman⁴ attributed to the most successful companies in the United States are used as a framework to support the author's personal views on agricultural research management. Management of research institutions in developing countries is stressed. Although the eight attributes of Peters and Waterman were related to profit-making businesses, all, to some extent, apply to non-profit, agricultural research institutions. Those found to be most relevant are: ‘Close to the customer’, which translates in agricultural research terms to knowing what farmers want and need, ‘autonomy and entrepreneurship’, which relates to the importance of an environment conducive to creativity and innovation in research institutions, ‘productivity through people’, of special importance in institutions where new technology is the product, and ‘hands-on, value driven’, which underlines the significance of value systems in motivating employees at all levels to perform effectively. The author adds a ninth attribute, leadership, which was evident as an essential component of the eight attributes of Peters and Waterman, and stresses the overriding importance of more effective leadership for agricultural research institutions in developing countries.