"Do not cite the old regulations to me, witch--I was on the subcommittee that approved the proposal for its writing." -- Bureaucrat Aslan
Administration (IQ/Average) is the skill of running a large organization. It's also useful for hiring people[1], getting a job,[2] identifying fake members (or verifying rank)[3], gaining employee loyalty through competency[4], obtaining grants for nonprofits[5], and collecting data for polls and surveys.[6] It can also be used to find information in government or corporate archives (like Research)[5], or get special permits for something (like building a cool lair).[5] It could even be used to discreetly offer bribes (for whatever reason)[7].
The Administration skill is often a prerequisite for high Rank. A successful Administration roll gives you a +2 reaction bonus when dealing with a bureaucrat, and allows you to predict the best way to go about dealing with a bureaucracy.
Moving and Shaking[]
A perception-based Administration roll can identify an administrator who may be receptive to a proposal.[8]
The Backbone of Supervision[]
Good supervisors need professional skill, plus one of Administration, Leadership, or Teaching. Administration and Leadership overlap in keeping things organized, while Teaching is key to job training.
Weaknesses[]
Administration is good for organization but will require Leadership during a "crisis" with low morale.[9]
Paper Trails[]
It's possible for some characters to leave a false paper trail by rolling a regular contest of Administration (or Accounting, if primarily financial). For heroic characters working for a diabolical corporation, this may be an act of malicious compliance, moving resources in ways that are allowed but not "recommended".[9]
Mentions[]
- GURPS Low-Tech Companion 1: Philosophers and Kings, (p. 6) on Administration as a skill in chiefdoms.
Kromm Quotes[]
Sean Punch has commented on Administration in the following posts on the forums.sjgames.com
- On what kind of person has it
- On its use in a bureaucratic situation to gather information
- On his experience dealing with someone using it at default
See Also[]
References[]
- Basic Set (p. 29, 174)
- Low-Tech Companion 1 (p. 6)
- ↑ Social Engineering, p.22
- ↑ Social Engineering, p.50
- ↑ Social Engineering, p.25
- ↑ Social Engineering, p.40
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Social Engineering, p.46
- ↑ Social Engineering, p.57
- ↑ Social Engineering, p.48-49
- ↑ Social Engineering, p.63
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Social Engineering, p.51