This paper examines the administrative controls and efficacy of state entities in Vietnam’s Dak Lak province. Are there deviations in administrative controls in Dak Lak province from the legislative requirements and usual practices and do these controls contribute to perceived organizational efficacy/non-efficacy in the administration of the province? The research findings provide evidence of the People’s Council’s active involvement at multiple levels in the province which calls into question the legitimate role of its People’s Committee. While
the uncertain role of the People’s Committee in Dak Lak may exacerbate existing perceptions of organizational efficacy there is no evidence to suggest that deviations in administrative controls directly result in either organizational effectiveness or ineffectiveness. The Vietnamese state and government organizational structure produces systemic dysfunctions that will arise regardless of the administrative controls in place.