Showing papers in "International Journal of Public Administration in 2010"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the impacts of e-government as reported in 55 first-hand empirical peer-reviewed journal publications during the period 2003-2009, using a conceptual framework to identify ICT (information and communication technology) impacts on four domains within the public sector: capabilities, interactions, orientations and value distribution.
Abstract: This paper analyzes the impacts of e-government as reported in 55 first-hand empirical peer-reviewed journal publications during the period 2003–2009, using a conceptual framework to identify ICT (information and communication technology) impacts on four domains within the public sector: capabilities, interactions, orientations and value distribution. The analysis shows that research findings mostly report positive impacts in all four dimensions. In the empirical research, the majority of impacts from ICT are reported within the domain of capabilities, which is also the domain that features the most balanced mix of positive and negative findings. Findings show that although e-government has elements that make it different from previous use of ICT in public administration, research on e-government is yet to demonstrate a substantial shift in the nature and directions of impacts in comparison to earlier studies.
105 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss possible answers to the question of what constitutes different types of change of state organizations and present a mapping of organizational change in state administration along the horizontal as well as the vertical dimension.
Abstract: The article discusses possible answers to the question of what constitutes different types of change of state organizations. Drawing upon contributions from organization theory and public administration, classifications of different types of births, survivals, and deaths, are discussed and outlined, providing a mapping of organizational change in state administration along the horizontal as well as the vertical dimension. As an illustration, the article also shows how a detailed classification has been used in the Norwegian State Administration Database.
58 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors apply evolutionary theory of path dependency to explain the past, present, and future trajectories of decentralisation and local government (LG) institutional development in Ghana and Uganda.
Abstract: This article applies evolutionary theory of path dependency to explain the past, present, and future trajectories of decentralisation and local government (LG) institutional development in Ghana and Uganda. The article argues that in the pursuit of local governance, Uganda followed a sequence of political, administrative, and fiscal decentralisation whereas Ghana pursued an administrative, political, and fiscal decentralization. As a result, Uganda has made a little progress but more than Ghana's, in strengthening LG institutions. However, given that neither Uganda nor Ghana followed an ideal sequence of decentralisation reforms that would have strengthened LGs against unbridled central government (CG) interference, currently CGs in both countries are retaking much of what was initially decentralized. The article concludes that recentralization and further weakening of LGs are likely to continue in both countries and much of Africa because the initial path that was created benefited CG politicians and bur...
52 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the problem of low rate of citizens working in the private sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, with a focus on the State of Kuwait.
Abstract: The Gulf States have the highest numbers of migrant workers in the world (Shah, 2006). The rapid economic growth these states have witnessed over the last five decades has made them an attraction to foreign labor from around the world. This study explores the problem of the low rate of citizens working in the private sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, with a focus on the State of Kuwait. In order to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon under study, the problem is contextualized in the wider region by examining localization efforts in two other GCC countries: the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. Considering the similar demographical, economic, and social conditions among GCC countries, the study was conducted in the State of Kuwait.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a study of the Local Government Reform Program (LGRP) in Tanzania to explore whether decentralization is realizing its objectives, and they found that LGRP has led to a significant devolution of authority and resources.
Abstract: Many governments have promoted decentralization, but opinion is divided on whether real devolution of authority from the centre to the local level has occurred. This article uses a study of the Local Government Reform Program (LGRP) in Tanzania to explore whether decentralization is realizing its objectives. Our findings are that LGRP has led to a significant devolution of authority and resources. However, persisting capacity deficits, increased financial dependence on the central government, and political and institutional constraints mean that the achievements have fallen short of the reformers' intentions. The study suggests that even where political will to decentralize exists, it has to translate into identifying and dealing with stubborn and subtle constraints such as, in this case, the contradiction between a new devolved structure and a persisting deconcentrated structure in order for decentralization to reach the logical conclusion that the reformers intended.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed an integrated assessment of journal quality using both objective and subjective measurement tools. And they found that relying on one ranking approach misses out on several important issues regarding journal quality.
Abstract: Using results from a survey of editors and board members from 39 public administration journals as well the impact factor scores created by ISI Thompson this research develops an integrated assessment of journal quality using both objective and subjective measurement tools. The findings suggest that relying on one ranking approach misses out on several important issues regarding journal quality. In addition, when evaluating outlets for publishing in public administration, there often exists a bias against journals not published in the United States. Finally, the highest-ranked generalist journals are also publishing work that is also applicable to scholars working in various subfields.
36 citations
TL;DR: A long-term, incremental approach that focuses on experimenting with output-based central-local incentive grants, enhancing local government capability in expenditure and revenue management, and, most importantly, building capacity in civil society groups to educate citizens and motivate demand seems the most feasible strategy for moving forward under the current circumstances as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: For nearly a decade, Indonesia has been engaged in one of the world's largest programs of public sector decentralization. The evidence suggests that Indonesian decentralization has not yet, however, led to good quality local public services. Implementation of immediate remedies typically proposed by government officials and others are all likely to be deficient in one regard or another. A long-term, incremental approach that focuses on experimenting with output-based central-local incentive grants, enhancing local government capability in expenditure and revenue management, and, most importantly, building capacity in civil society groups to educate citizens and motivate demand seems the most feasible strategy for moving forward under the current circumstances.
36 citations
TL;DR: The authors analyzed career values of 384 MPA and MPP students at major universities in the capitals of China, Malaysia and the United States and found that all three groups prioritized elements of altruism and affluence.
Abstract: With governments around the world needing to attract talented professionals, this exploratory, cross-cultural research analyzes career values of 384 MPA and MPP students at major universities in the capitals of China, Malaysia and the United States. Malaysians and Americans structured 23 goals along dimensions that contrasted sharply to those of the Chinese. Moreover, Malaysians and Americans cared more about self-actualization and less about co-worker comradeship than did the Chinese. All three groups prioritized elements of altruism and affluence. Segmentation analysis uncovered six distinct subgroups (Acheivers, Altruistic Analysts, Administrators, Altruistic Affluents, Acquiescents, and Apathetics) with their distributions varying by country.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined digital government by analyzing data from worldwide municipal websites reviewed in 2003 and in 2007 and found that digital government performance of cities worldwide is increasing over time, but the findings also demonstrate volatility in performance levels of city digital government initiatives.
Abstract: Observers of digitized government suggest that governments around the world are using the Internet to increase the effectiveness and transparency of administrative functions while engaging citizens and transforming the nature of democracy. The current research examines digital government by analyzing data from worldwide municipal websites reviewed in 2003 and in 2007. The findings are bifurcated. The research suggests that digital government performance of cities worldwide is increasing over time. However, the findings also demonstrate volatility in performance levels of city digital government initiatives. In other words, early adopters of digital government often find it difficult to maintain their performance between the survey years, while some late adopters experience dramatic performance improvements. The results suggest that future research needs to consider the reasons for changes in relative performance and the variation of digital government.
33 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a theoretical overview of what makes a leader effective using the theoretical lenses of behavioral and contingency theories and the theory of transformational leadership, and analyze these theories from a gender perspective.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to present a theoretical overview of what makes a leader effective using the theoretical lenses of behavioral and contingency theories and the theory of transformational leadership. We then analyze these theories from a gender perspective. The presence and effects of gender discrimination in the workplace, managerial and subordinate preconceptions and attitudes as identified in the current body of literature and the possible consequences for potential female leaders are discussed. Finally, the article turns to discuss the interaction between national and organizational culture and gender in terms of leadership opportunities. The aim of this article is to contribute to the discussion on the above areas and to provide a bringing together of perspectives so as to facilitate future research. This is a review article where we theoretically examine the gender context in leadership theory and practice with some illustrations from observation and experience.
31 citations
TL;DR: The Local Government Reform Program (LGRP) in Tanzania was introduced to improve the access and quality of services provided by Local Government Authorities (LGAs) as discussed by the authors, and the main aim of the study is to clarify the practice and impact of Human Resource Capacity Building with reference to the LGRP in Tanzania.
Abstract: The Local Government Reform Program (LGRP) in Tanzania was introduced to improve the access and quality of services provided by Local Government Authorities (LGAs). The main aim of the study is to clarify the practice and impact of Human Resource Capacity Building with reference to the LGRP in Tanzania. The study adopted a three-dimensional framework involving Human Resource Development (HRD), Organization Development (OD), and Institutional Development (ID) dimensions in order to gather primary and secondary data relating to Tanzania. The HRD findings revealed that the LGRP led to the introduction of training programs, upgraded working conditions, and revised management procedures. The OD dimension revealed the introduction of new organization structures, strategic plans, the involvement of employees in decision making, and culture change. It was concluded that, in relation to both HRD and OD, the LGRP resulted in positive impacts but had failed to address critical deficiencies such as poor training coor...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the emergence of decentralization as a strategy associated with public sector reform in developing and transitional countries, and discuss issues such as the political underpinnings of decentralisation, the influence of the private sector on decentralization in the public sector, and challenges which have emerged as a result of the implementation of such initiatives.
Abstract: The main aim of the article is to examine the emergence of decentralization as a strategy associated with Public Sector Reform in developing and transitional countries. In offering this discussion, the article introduces the focus of this special edition. In the article, we discuss issues such as the political underpinnings of decentralization, the influence of the private sector on decentralization in the public sector, and challenges which have emerged as a result of the implementation of decentralization initiatives in developing and transitional countries. The later sections of the article provide an overview of the articles that comprise this special edition.
TL;DR: By conducting research in the field with the help of case studies and international benchmarking, it was possible to identify the main variables in the degree of effectiveness and efficiency of multichannel public service delivery and develop the outline of a model representing the underlying factors.
Abstract: A strategic challenge facing all governments today is how to deliver services effectively and efficiently. At one time, they thought that they could meet this challenge by exploiting technology and going the E-government route with the promise of single-window, integrated, intelligent service delivery. Very quickly, however, they had to accept the fact that they would have to overcome a multitude of obstacles and that individual and corporate clients often preferred to receive service in traditional ways. As a result, the delivery of public services is becoming increasingly multichannel: over the counter, by mail and telephone, over the Internet, via text and television, etc. There is therefore a need to identify some kind of model for managing this highly complex new phenomenon effectively and efficiently. By conducting research in the field with the help of case studies and international benchmarking, it was possible to identify the main variables in the degree of effectiveness and efficiency of multi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the case of Thail... and explore the adverse consequences of decentralized local governance such as inter-regional disparity, unequal benefits to local elites, challenge to national unity, and local corruption and cronyism.
Abstract: In line with the emerging market-driven neoliberal formation of the state, diminishing direct role of public governance, and increasing involvement of semi-state and non-state actors, there has been an unprecedented proliferation of reform initiatives to decentralize state power to local government organizations. While the proponents of decentralized local governance highlight its positive outcomes such as people's participation, need-based service delivery, public access and accountability, and political education, many critics draw attention to its adverse consequences like inter-regional disparity, unequal benefits to local elites, challenge to national unity, and local corruption and cronyism. However, the current discourse based on a universalist one-size-fits-all approach largely overlooks its contextual determinants such as the past legacy of centralization, configuration of local power structure, bureaucratic elitism, and so on. In exploring such concerns, this article focuses on the case of Thail...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the role of decentralization for the promotion of good local governance in Kazakhstan and raise a fundamental question as to whether the Kazakh government is politically ready to build an efficient and responsive local government in order to achieve its "Kazakhstan 2030" policy aspirations.
Abstract: Decentralization stands at a crossroad of scholarly debate and discussion on governance issues, no less so in transition countries. This article examines the role of decentralization for the promotion of good local governance in Kazakhstan. Available evidence substantiates that decentralization has a limited capacity to contribute to good local governance in Kazakhstan. This raises a fundamental question as to whether the Kazakh government is politically ready to build an efficient and responsive local government in order to achieve its “Kazakhstan 2030” policy aspirations.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether local governments and community-based organizations have the capacity and incentives to engage in developmentally valuable partnerships in rural Morocco, which could take the form of co-production arrangements or more political co-governance mechanisms.
Abstract: This paper examines whether in rural Morocco, local governments and community-based organizations have the capacity and incentives to engage in developmentally valuable partnerships. These partnerships could take the form of co-production arrangements or more political co-governance mechanisms. The fiscal, administrative and political dimensions of local government autonomy and capacity are discussed. The evidence on community-based organizations indicates that a high proportion of them lack the capacities and incentives to engage in partnerships with local governments. This is mainly due to their instrumentalization for clientelist and electioneering purposes by actors in “political society”, i.e. local councilors, party members, and civil servants.
TL;DR: In this article, the fundamental questions addressed in this article are the following: what is the most appropriate approach to organizing the vertical structure of tax administration, and what are the determinant factors that may make an approach more or less optimal in any particular country?
Abstract: The fundamental questions addressed in this article are the following: what is the most appropriate approach to organizing the vertical structure of tax administration, and what are the determinant factors that may make an approach more or less optimal in any particular country? Both centralized and multi-level tax administration have certain advantages and disadvantages. However, given the general approach to fiscal decentralization in a country and, more in particular, assignment of taxes and other revenue sources to different levels of government, it is possible to identify better and worse approaches to organizing tax administration.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that village panchayats need to incorporate mechanisms to enhance participation of the poor, and the women, in its institutions, and may make them more relevant to the deprived population.
Abstract: Decentralised governance is generally believed to facilitate pro-poor economic development. The process may however be captured by elite and become counterproductive if implemented without acknowledging the disparities in asset-ownerships and entitlements, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and building capacities at various levels. This paper evaluates delivery of various social protection programmes in two Indian states following different decentralisation mechanisms. Drawing on our empirical observations and research we argue that village panchayats need to incorporate mechanisms to enhance participation of the poor, and the women, in its institutions. This may enhance accountability and transparency in the functioning of panchayats and may make them more relevant to the deprived population.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the experiences of voluntary sector organizations involved in public sector commissioning and suggest that the public sector is limiting the voluntary sector's engagement in service design and performance monitoring.
Abstract: The perceived benefits to users and beneficiaries of voluntary organizations delivering public sector services have been well documented and include the engagement with parts of society that the state cannot reach, personalized service delivery, and improved services. There is a lack of clarity, however, as to whether these perceived benefits are being realized. This article presents the experiences of voluntary sector organizations involved in public sector commissioning. The research suggests that the public sector is limiting the voluntary sector's engagement in service design and performance monitoring. These findings raise questions about the role of the voluntary sector in public service provision.
TL;DR: In the current era of public demand for increased accountability from government, stakeholders expect their government and its agencies to consult constituents and provide them with an opportunity to have a say in strategic direction.
Abstract: In the current era of public demand for increased accountability from government, stakeholders expect their government and its agencies to consult constituents and provide them with an opportunity to have a say in strategic direction. Indeed, stakeholder engagement is very prevalent and is viewed as a vital component of accountability. Consequently, there is an increasing trend for governments and their agencies to consult stakeholders on issues ranging from budgets to strategic plans of departments and agencies. This article argues that consultation extends beyond the dissemination of information and participation in surveys and focus groups in order to ensure that public sector agencies have sufficiently demonstrated accountability through consultation. Rather, the true substance of consultation is providing an opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the organization by advancing their own proposals regarding its strategic direction.
TL;DR: The Lyons Inquiry into local government in Britain represented a significant contribution to the debate on local government reform, with policy ramifications well beyond contemporary Britain this paper, and the Lyons Inquiry's concept of "place-shaping" as a mode of local government this paper captured the experience of a number of developing countries in recent years.
Abstract: The Lyons Inquiry into local government in Britain represented a significant contribution to the debate on local government reform, with policy ramifications well beyond contemporary Britain. This article considers the Inquiry's concept of “place-shaping” as a mode of local government reform which captures the experience of a number of developing countries in recent years. By way of illustrative examples, we examine these processes in the specific contexts of South Africa and Indonesia. In particular, we consider whether the devolution of functions to municipalities in developmental settings constitutes place-shaping, and how this bears on processes of local government reform in developed nations.
TL;DR: In this article, the Italian Minister of Public Service has made a significant effort to get the Government to approve a law intended to substantially reform the system for evaluating managerial staff, considering that he/she has tried to be coherent with remarks made in the most recent literature.
Abstract: In Western countries over the last two decades, personnel management has been one of the areas of greatest innovation within the management reform process. Managerial staff in PAs has been given the power and the responsibility to operate as entrepreneurs in relation to subjects operating within their “sphere of responsibility..” Throughout 2009 the Italian Minister of Public Service has made a significant effort to get the Government to approve a law intended to substantially reform the system for evaluating managerial staff. The results of his/her efforts have been analyzed, considering that he/she has tried to be coherent with remarks made in the most recent literature.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors apply U.S.-based measures in order to examine municipal fiscal conditions in Thailand and find that large, highly populous central cities as well as semi-rural, residential areas are fiscally weak.
Abstract: This research attempts to apply U.S.-based measures in order to examine municipal fiscal conditions in Thailand. Fourteen municipal governments located in the central and eastern regions of the country are explored, utilizing data from FY 2001 to 2006. The findings show that the selected measures of revenue-raising capacity and expenditure provide a sensible picture of Thai municipal fiscal conditions when compared to U.S. cities during past decades. Large, highly populous central cities as well as semi-rural, residential areas are fiscally weak. By contrast, suburban and industry-based cities are fiscally healthy. This study provides a foundation for the design of intergovernmental transfer systems that takes into account the local fiscal conditions and helps to extend the external validity of existing analytical tools.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the role of formal institutions and rules of government in the formation of joint venture agreements for economic development and presented an argument that form of government provides incentives that influence the decision to establish a developmental, redistributive, or regional interjurisdictional agreement.
Abstract: This study examines the role of formal institutions and rules of government in the formation of joint venture agreements for economic development. Research suggests local governing arrangements play an influential role in the policy area of local economic development. This study presents an argument that form of government provides incentives that influence the decision to establish a developmental, redistributive, or regional interjurisdictional agreement. The results of a multinomial logit model using survey data collected from 12 metropolitan areas provides evidence to support the hypotheses that unreformed governing institutions, compared to cities with an appointed professional manager, are more likely to form joint venture agreements that are developmental in nature.
TL;DR: The Slum Adoption Programme (SAP) as discussed by the authors aims at motivating slum residents to undertake the cleaning of their slums through community organizations, in partnership with municipal officials.
Abstract: Following the introduction of urban decentralisation in Mumbai, neighbourhood level “Wards Committees” became responsible for solid waste management in the city slums. One innovative program, the “Slum Adoption Programme,” aimed at motivating slum residents to undertake the cleaning of their slums through community organizations, in partnership with municipal officials. The program could not fulfill its high expectations of cleaner slums and community participation as it was undermined through the manipulation of powerful local stakeholders—especially municipal councillors. Their powers had increased after decentralisation and they formed informal alliances with local leaders of undemocratic community organisations. Neither efficiency gains, nor participation by the urban poor was achieved.
TL;DR: In this article, a semi-structured analogies (S-SA) approach is proposed for forecasting PIS effectiveness as a decision support tool, where experts do not need to recollect the outcome of analogies.
Abstract: Primarily, policies are intended to address economic, social and environmental problems. When implementing a policy, any government will be faced with the decision as to what strategy to adopt in order to meet the objectives set out by the policy in the most cost effective way. Several such Policy Implementation Strategies (PIS) may be available, making such a decision not so straightforward. With limited funds available, such a decision has particular importance for budgeting. This paper proposes forecasting PIS effectiveness as a decision support tool. The nature of Structured Analogies (SA) is considered suitable for generating such forecasts. A simpler version of SA, semi-structured analogies (S-SA), where experts do not need to recollect the exact outcome of analogies, is tested. Empirical findings suggest that in the hands of non-experts, the S-SA approach improves forecast accuracy when compared to unaided judgment. Accuracy improves further when forecasts are produced in groups.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focused on political thuggery and democratic dividends in Nigeria using secondary and personal observation data, and pointed out that political thugs hinders public accountability of elective officers and thus is a bane to good governance in Nigeria.
Abstract: This study focuses on political thuggery and democratic dividends in Nigeria. Utilizing secondary and personal observation data the authors sought to address the following concerns: meaning of political thuggery and democratic dividend, manifestation and spate of political thuggery, and causes and effect of political thuggery and democratic performance since 1999 to date. The study reveals that poverty, unemployment, financial attractiveness of elective positions, the value system of wealth accumulation, and an ineffective security agency account for the incidence of political thuggery in Nigeria. Political thuggery hinders public accountability of elective officers and thus is a bane to good governance in Nigeria. Itg also increases the crime rate and the emergence of credible candidates in elections and thus is a threat to the achievement of democratic dividends and exercise of citizenship rights in Nigeria. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends that government should make elective office...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the findings of a multiple case study analysis conducted on the Italian local public utilities listed at the Milan Stock Exchange in the years between 2000 and 2008.
Abstract: Despite a lively research commitment, convergent results on the relationship between corporate governance and performance are still missing in the literature to date. This is particularly true for those firms which, either fully or partially, changed their nature from public to private in the last few years. Thus, this article aims at contributing to fill this gap by presenting the findings of a multiple case study analysis conducted on the Italian local public utilities listed at the Milan Stock Exchange in the years between 2000 and 2008. The ongoing privatization process of these firms allows this sample to be considered as a particularly interesting research vehicle. From our analysis, the main results are not wholly conclusive. This seems to support those theses that argue that understanding the real impact of corporate governance practices on the performance of firms still needs further improvement. The article is primarily intended for board members, managers, and scholars who want to enha...
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of organizational changes and contextual factors in explaining the operating performance of European privatized firms was analyzed and it was found that smaller and non-regulated firms and companies privatized by public offer perform better than bigger, regulated, and private sale companies.
Abstract: This article analyzes the role of organizational changes and contextual factors in explaining the operating performance of European privatized firms. We find that smaller and non-regulated firms and companies privatized by public offer perform better than bigger, regulated, and privatized by private sale companies. Also, privatized Eastern European companies are less profitable than privatized companies from other European countries. Our findings suggest that organizational changes are more difficult to introduce in privatizations by private sale and in bigger and regulated companies. They also suggest that less developed institutional contexts limit performance improvements after privatizations.
TL;DR: This article found that attitudes on governments' roles in disaster recovery are not consistent with charitable giving behavior and are affected more by the survey respondents' political orientation than voluntary motivation, and discussed this finding's implication for designing a more effective disaster response system.
Abstract: Governments oftentimes fail to satisfy high demanders of public services, leaving room for the nonprofit sector. How can the government deal with this government failure? Must it resort to tax increases or should it engage the nonprofit sector? Using the public polls conducted in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, this study aims to explore an empirical answer to this question. In particular, we contrast the determinants of the willingness of an individual to pay more tax with those of the willingness to make more voluntary donations for the disaster recovery purposes. The results show that attitudes on governments' roles in disaster recovery are not consistent with charitable giving behavior and are affected more by the survey respondents' political orientation than voluntary motivation. We discuss this finding's implication for designing a more effective disaster response system.