Human resource policies in Jordan: An exploratory study of the influence of governmental expenditures on development

This study was an assessment of the influence of governmental expenditures for human resource programs on economic and social development in Jordan from 1948 to 1988. An assessment was made of the impact of governmental expenditures for education, health, and welfare on the growth of the economy as measured by gross national product (GNP) and the quality of life as measured by the physical quality of life index (PQLI). The major purpose of the investigation was to provide policy makers with an alternative way of assessing the influence of governmental expenditures on development.; Qualitative research methods were used to identify expenditure patterns, along with the political and economic conditions. Next, a correlation analysis was conducted between national expenditures and economic development. Correlation analysis was also conducted between the quality of life (PQLI) and growth of the economy (GNP) to see if economic growth was associated with better life for the people. A stepwise, multiple regression analysis was performed to determine which type of human resource expenditures had the greatest influence on GNP and the PQLI for the entire history of the country and for four historical periods.; Only expenditures on education were found to influence both the GNP and PQLI during the country's entire history. Different patterns of influence, however, were found in the four historical periods, suggesting that the two measures of development may be affected differently by environmental conditions.; Policy makers in Jordan should find these evaluations of the impact of public expenditures helpful in making future budgetary decisions. Knowledge that expenditures on human resource programs promote the economy and the quality of life should add a degree of rationality to decision-making in Jordan. Additional studies are needed to examine in detail expenditures on each type of human resource program and the impact of these expenditures on development in Jordan.