Mismanagement is the inappropriate or irresponsible management of a government resource, such as staff, a contract, or a project.

Some factors which may indicate that the mismanagement was gross include:

• the conduct is deliberate or for personal gain
• the mismanagement involves significant government resources
• the conduct is reckless or indifferent
• the person who engaged in mismanagement has a high level of authority or trust

Some factors which may indicate that the mismanagement was systemic include:

• the conduct is recurrent or frequent
• the conduct is known or accepted within an organization
• the mismanagement is built into an organization’s structure, policies or practices