maladministration

a situation in which an organization, government department, or public service is managed in a dishonest, careless, or unskilled way, causing problems or waste

• mismanagement

  focuses on incompetence or lack of skill, not necessarily dishonesty; more general and less formal

• negligence

  emphasizes carelessness or failure to fulfil a duty rather than dishonest intent

• corruption

  stronger term that implies illegal or unethical behaviour for personal gain

• good governance

  especially in government or public-sector contexts

• efficient management

  focuses on competence and good results in any organization