Showing papers in "International Journal of Public Administration in 2011"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the decision-making structure of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and concluded that investment in communication, trust-building, and eradication of inter-agency value differences and discrepancies is imperative.
Abstract: Decision-making in emergencies requires non-traditional approach and tools characterized by non-hierarchical structure and flexibility. The dynamic environment of disasters makes it imperative to invest in inter-sector and inter-agency cooperation and coordination. Focusing on the Emergency Management Assistance Compact's (EMAC) response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, this article examines the decision-making structure of the agreement. EMAC is an inter-state mutual aid agreement that facilitates sharing of resources during and after disasters. While EMAC's overall decision-making performance was relatively satisfactory and flawless, investment in communication, trust-building, and eradication of inter-agency value differences and discrepancies is imperative.
246 citations
TL;DR: The findings of a large research program in The Netherlands in several policy fields show that the concerns over hybrid organizations appear to be overstated, since theoretically defined risks have not materialized as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Hybrid organizations mix the characteristics of state, market, and civil society. Critics have suggested that such organizations pose severe risks to the public sector, both financially and culturally. However, these assertions are based mostly on theoretical claims or single case studies. No systematic evidence has been collected to support them. The findings of a large research program in The Netherlands in several policy fields show that the concerns over hybrid organizations appear to be overstated, since theoretically defined risks have not materialized. Conditions such as the presence of active regulators and a high degree of professionalism appear to dampen the risks.
133 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on inhibitors, explaining the underperformance of the joined-up experiment, and facilitators, which explain the existence of a small number of examples defying the broader trend.
Abstract: In 2004 a bold experiment in the use of joined-up approaches to policy-making and implementation, best captured in the design of new policy architecture and the creation of a co-location model for service delivery, was undertaken to address the entrenched disadvantage of Indigenous Australians. In this article we report on inhibitors, explaining the under-performance of the joined-up experiment, and facilitators, which explain, in part, the existence of a small number of examples defying the broader trend.
79 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors track the ebbs and flows of joined-up or integrated practice in Queensland and assess what has worked and why and whether integrated reform has been sustained.
Abstract: Joined-up enterprises have become a cornerstone of the institutional architecture to facilitate closer linkages within and between departments and across sectors. Some of these initiatives are now mainstream enterprises, while others struggled to gain purchase or effect. Since the future is likely to be characterized by an ongoing emphasis on joined-up initiatives, an assessment of past efforts can provide a valuable backdrop for the development of new approaches and the fine tuning of existing ones. Drawing on ten years of research data, this article tracks the ebbs and flows of joined-up or integrated practice in Queensland. In doing so, it examines the drivers for integration, preferred models, and the language used to engender change. It also assesses what has worked and why and whether integrated reform has been sustained. Based on these insights, an extended integration framework is presented, which will assist those responsible for the design, monitoring, and evaluation of joined-up processes.
73 citations
TL;DR: This paper reviewed previous efforts to promote JUG in the area of health inequalities, examines the factors which have shape the UK's health inequalities and concludes that the policy response is, by general agreement, inter-sectoral and cross-governmental.
Abstract: Joined-up government (JUG) has been a notable feature of many national governments, not least the UK Labour government (1997 onwards) with its emphasis on welfare modernisation, tackling engrained social problems, and evidence-based policy. This article focuses on the ways in which JUG has been implemented in England although we draw comparisons with the different approaches in Wales and Scotland, as devolution has provided an interesting natural experiment. Certainly during its early years in power, the Labour government regarded JUG as a critical mechanism to achieve its goal of narrowing the “health gap” between different social groups since the requisite policy response is, by general agreement, inter-sectoral and cross-governmental.Responsibility for tackling the health gap does not reside within one policy sector or department but rather is a total or whole government issue. This article reviews previous efforts to promote JUG in the area of health inequalities, examines the factors which have shape...
64 citations
TL;DR: The New Public Management (NPM) theory is a rhetorical construction with diverse intellectual roots as discussed by the authors, and it is open to reinterpretation and shifts in implementation across countries (Sahlin-Andersson, 2001; Smullen, 2007).
Abstract: The New Public Management (NPM) Theory is a rhetorical construction with diverse intellectual roots. That diversity means that it is open to reinterpretation and shifts in implementation across countries (Sahlin-Andersson, 2001; Smullen, 2007). This overview article critically investigates NPM application in various EU health care systems. NPM led to a greater focus on market forces and competition and improved information sharing and cooperation among health care networks, and changed the way care is delivered. This article also identifies significant misfits between policy announcements and NPM implementation. NPM has taken root much more substantially in the United Kingdom (UK) than in France and Germany. The variety of capitalism and institutional systems provides an explanation for divergences in NPM implementation.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, structural relationships among transformational leadership practices, organizational commitment, and employee effectiveness were investigated, and the results indicated that transformational leaders, especially as regards idealization influence and inspiration motivation components, directly enhances employees' extra-role behaviors and indirectly enhance employees' desire to stay in an organization through internalization, identification, and exchange organization commitments.
Abstract: This study investigates the structural relationships among transformational leadership practices, organizational commitment, and employee effectiveness. Path analysis was used to understand the direct and indirect effects of four transformational leadership components, three organizational commitment types, and two employee effectiveness types. The results indicated that transformational leadership, especially as regards idealization influence and inspiration motivation components, directly enhances employees' extra-role behaviors and indirectly enhance employees' desire to stay in an organization through internalization, identification, and exchange organization commitments.
51 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored the changing landscape of education policy and governance in England and sketched some particular features of the increasingly complex and "congested" terrain of the education state and traces some of the primary discourses that currently inform and drive education policy (and indeed social policy more generally) both in relation to governance and substance.
Abstract: This paper explores some hitherto neglected but nonetheless important aspects of the changing landscape of education policy and governance in England. It sketches some particular features of the increasingly complex and ‘congested’ terrain of the education state and traces some of the primary discourses that currently inform and drive education policy (and indeed social policy more generally) both in relation to governance and substance. The paper draws on an ESRC funded study (RES-062-23-1484) of ‘Philanthropy and Education Policy’. This research involved 3 sets of activities; extensive and exhaustive internet searches around particular (corporate) philanthropies, philanthropists and philanthropically funded programmes; interviews with some key ‘new’ philanthropists and foundations interested and involved in education; and the use of these searches and interviews to construct ‘policy networks’. Together these constitute a ‘method’ of ‘network ethnography’.
49 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored New Zealand-based cross-agency information sharing practices, with a specific focus on information sharing enablers and barriers in multi-agency collaborative initiatives aimed at achieving integrated social service provision.
Abstract: Improving cross-agency information sharing is at the heart of service transformation efforts to provide more effective services to individuals with complex social needs. So far, however, there is not much empirical research available on cross-agency information sharing. This article explores New Zealand-based cross-agency information sharing practices, with a specific focus on information sharing enablers and barriers in multi-agency collaborative initiatives aimed at achieving integrated social service provision. Empirical findings show the importance of personal data protection and trust in cross-agency information sharing in the New Zealand context; a distinction being made between “hard” and “soft” information; agencies having different information needs and requirements; clear differences in information sharing practices and procedures between agencies with a public service mandate and those with a public safety mandate; the contribution of information sharing protocols and co-location to effective i...
44 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the main objectives and the actual implementation of citizen participation initiatives in the local governments of two European Continental countries, Germany and Spain, were analyzed and the factors that affect the possible decoupling between the objectives of citizen engagement and the "real" uses of participation were analyzed.
Abstract: In recent decades, citizens have become more and more disenchanted with the traditional institutions of representative government, detached from political parties, and disillusioned with old forms of civic engagement and participation. This has favored a renewed interest in citizen engagement and citizen participation and a growing re-emergence in academic and political discourse of ideas and values of community, localism, and citizen participation. This article analyzes the main objectives and the actual implementation of citizen participation initiatives in the local governments of two European Continental countries, Germany and Spain. The aim is to find out the factors that affect the possible decoupling between the objectives and the “real” uses of citizen participation. Our results show that most local governments in these two countries are using citizen participation only to increase the level of perceived legitimacy or to comply minimally with legal requirements, without really taking advantage of ...
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a preliminary framework for analyzing how values in the public sector change over time, which is conceptualised as three types of change mechanisms: a teleological, a conflictual and a value-internal change mechanism.
Abstract: This paper presents a preliminary framework for analyzing how values in the public sector change over time. The specific dynamics are conceptualised as three types of change mechanisms: a teleological, a conflictual and a value-internal change mechanism. Choice of governance systems – hierarchy, clan, network or market - is an example of designing control systems to promote particular values. Another change mechanism is rooted in conflicts between values and the actors carrying these values leading to various organisational responses. Finally, influenced by basic properties of a value changes may follow several distinct patterns such as life cycles, pendulum dynamics, enlargement of scope, refinement and turbulence. The possible outcomes of value dynamic processes are basically changes in value configurations: crowding out, sedimentation, the core-periphery hypothesis, division of labour, and re-interpretation. The paper uses examples from a Danish context, but argues that the value dynamics identified ha...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a set of evaluation criteria for evaluating local council's websites and identified the factors affecting the level of sophistication of local government websites, a single case study approach is employed in this research.
Abstract: Local governments play an important role in moving forward towards the vision of a connected and responsive e-government. This research develops a set of evaluation criteria for evaluating local council's websites. By examining the current status of the local government websites, this research provides an overview of the level of sophistication of the e-local government development in Australia. The local governments in Australia have not developed truly sophisticated e-government services. The majority of the local government websites are primarily informational and they provide one way communication of information from government to citizens. To identify the factors affecting the level of sophistication of local council's websites, a single case study approach is employed in this research. Top leadership support and management capacity and organisational and technical challenges are considered important for e-government development. User-centric website design and bridging the digital divide also play a...
TL;DR: In this article, the issue of small, slow and gradual reform is explored, particularly from the perspective of historical institutionalism, and a conceptual framework of various and varying types of change is developed.
Abstract: In this article, the issue of “small, slow and gradual reform” is explored, particularly from the perspective of “historical institutionalism.” Historically grown and solidified institutions explain why change usually is only small, slow, and gradual. We have a closer look at the political science theory of historical institutionalism. After considering key-concepts of historical institutionalism such as “path dependency” and “punctuated equilibrium,” we look at recent developments of typologies of incremental, gradual transformations. Elaborating upon this typology we develop a conceptual framework of various and varying types of change. The descriptive validity of this framework is “tested” by offering empirical illustrations in three case studies of changes that have occurred in and around the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture.
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of a cross-sectoral organizational network created to promote sustainable tourism in Rio de Janeiro is presented, where the authors briefly introduce the topics of collaborative governance and sustainable tourism, and then describe the focal network and the methods used for the research.
Abstract: This article presents a case study of a cross-sectoral organizational network created to promote sustainable tourism in Rio de Janeiro. We briefly introduce the topics of collaborative governance and sustainable tourism, and then describe the focal network and the methods used for the research. Findings are discussed in terms of three themes: 1) key elements of collaborative governance; 2) aspects of the network formation and development process; and 3) features of the Brazilian context that may influence the network's likelihood of success. We conclude with a comment on the role of public managers in a network such as this.
TL;DR: Individual budgets (IBs) as discussed by the authors were piloted in 13 English local authorities during 2005-2007, with the aim of bringing together resources from different funding streams to which an individual was entitled, and integrate or align those funding streams, thereby reducing the number of assessments and reviews; then allow those resources to be spent flexibly according to individual wishes and needs.
Abstract: Individual Budgets (IBs) were piloted in 13 English local authorities during 2005–2007. Similar to personal budgets and “cash-for-care” schemes in other parts of Europe and beyond, IBs built upon previous English government initiatives to increase choice and control by users of adult social care services. A key aim of the IB pilots was to bring together resources from different funding streams to which an individual was entitled, and integrate or align those funding streams, thereby reducing the number of assessments and reviews; then allow those resources to be spent flexibly according to individual wishes and needs. IBs, available only to those eligible for adult social care services and support, could include resources from up to five other funding streams which, among them, were the responsibility of three different government departments: Access to Work, Disabled Facilities Grants, Integrated Community Equipment Services, Independent Living Funds, and Supporting People. Qualitative interviews with IB...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined evidence for corrupt practice in pharaonic Egypt in comparative and culture specific contexts, and compared the limitations of central control systems for the management of officials, and contrasted with the exercise of patronage-based authority in the mitigation of inappropriate behavior.
Abstract: Evidence for corrupt practice in pharaonic Egypt is examined in comparative and culture specific contexts. Definitions of corruption are related to degrees of depersonalization of government, to levels of government penetration, and to the scale, efficiency, and professionalization of bureaucracy. Stress is laid on the personal nature of the Egyptian hierarchy, in a face-to-face society in which themes of loyalty, reciprocity, and client-patron relationships were important at all levels. The limitations of central control systems for the management of officials are discussed, and contrasted with the exercise of patronage-based authority in the mitigation of inappropriate behavior.
TL;DR: In this article, the real effect of the implementation of a code of ethics on the solution of ethical problems in the public sphere, considering corruption as the most important non-ethical behavior, is investigated.
Abstract: This study aims at determining the real effect of the implementation of a code of ethics on the solution of ethical problems in the public sphere, considering corruption as the most important non-ethical behavior. With that aim, 154 national administrations whose information on ethical codes is available on the UN's website are analyzed. Our findings stress the absence of any influence of codes on corruption problems in the public context, both in developed and developing countries. The level of education is the most important determining factor in the control of corruption, especially in developing countries.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on democratic reform in Britain and the Netherlands since 1990 and show that both countries have witnessed changes that incline to voter democracy and participatory democracy, although the Dutch case exhibits a somewhat stronger tendency to participatory voting than the British case.
Abstract: This article focuses on democratic reform in Britain and the Netherlands since 1990. The question is whether the UK has become less ‘majoritarian’ and the Netherlands less ‘consensual’, as some have argued. If we look at the formalised institutions of the national system of representative democracy the overall conclusion is that convergence has been rather limited. But, if we extend our analysis to non-formal, sub-national and non-representative democratic institutions also, the picture becomes more nuanced. We also looked at traces of direct democracy. Our analysis shows that both countries have witnessed changes that incline to voter democracy (directly-majoritarian) and participatory democracy (directly-integrative), although the Dutch case exhibits a somewhat stronger tendency to participatory democracy than the British case. A general lesson to be drawn is that thinking in terms of pure types of democracy has become obsolete.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the literature on public sector reforms in Italy analyzes the success of the NPM model, highlighting a relevant implementation gap and areas of reform which cannot be ascribed to the model.
Abstract: The literature on public sector reforms in Italy analyzes the success of the NPM model, highlighting a relevant implementation gap and areas of reform which cannot be ascribed to the NPM. The combination of these two features may be read as the adoption of a modernization framework different from the NPM called the New Weberian State. The article reviews the debate on the NPM, analyzes reforms in Italy, contrasted with the United States and other countries. Several characteristics resemble the New Weberianism in Italy, which, however, appears to be more an ex-post rationalization than a new trend and embodies NPM-learned lessons.
TL;DR: The authors traces the historical genesis of corruption in two West African countries: Ghana and Nigeria, and argues that corruption in Africa is an institution that emerged in direct response to colonial systems of rule which super-imposed an imported institutional system with different norms and values on an existing institutional landscape, despite the fact that both deeply conflicted and contradicted each other.
Abstract: This article traces the historical genesis of corruption in two West African countries: Ghana and Nigeria. It argues that corruption in Africa is an institution that emerged in direct response to colonial systems of rule which super-imposed an imported institutional system with different norms and values on an existing institutional landscape, despite the fact that both deeply conflicted and contradicted each other. During decolonization and after independence, corruption, although dysfunctional, fully evolved into an institution that allowed an uneasy cohabitation of colonial and domestic African institutions to grow into a composite, syncretic system facilitated by generalized corruption.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the conflicts of interest arising among actors (citizens, local governments, private shareholders, service providers) that at various levels are involved in local public utilities governance systems.
Abstract: Stemming from different theoretical perspectives the article examines the conflicts of interest arising among the actors (citizens, local governments, private shareholders, service providers) that at various levels are involved in local public utilities governance systems. The main results of a multiple case study analysis on 10 Italian listed local public utilities are summarized. Different and coexisting situations of conflicts of interest among multiple principals and agents are identified. In this context, governance mechanisms (e.g., the board of directors) have different roles and functions and may prevent and mitigate such conflicts. However, our findings suggest that the ownership structure influences board composition and functioning and that higher numbers of independent directors do not necessarily mean “actual” board independence. The article contributes to the debate on conflicts of interest and governance mechanisms in local public utilities.
TL;DR: In this paper, the trajectories of e-government implementation for public sector service delivery in Kazakhstan are examined and available evidence suggests that even the partial implementation of eGovernment accrues benefits, while the operational challenges, such as the lack of political support and consensus, the digital divide, the lack qualified human resources, language, and infrastructure development, need to be addressed to ensure a cost-efficient, cost-effective, accountable, and transparent service delivery to Kazakhstanis.
Abstract: The impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on public sector service delivery is immense as evidenced in Kazakhstan, a post-Soviet republic, and beyond. This article critically examines the trajectories of e-government implementation for public sector service delivery in Kazakhstan. Available evidence suggests that even the partial implementation of e-government accrues benefits, while the operational challenges, such as the lack of political support and consensus, the digital divide, the lack of qualified human resources, language, and infrastructure development, need to be addressed to ensure a cost-efficient, cost-effective, accountable, and transparent service delivery to Kazakhstanis.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss how the two different theories, positivism and interpretivism, influence the way of thinking and practicing in the field of public administration, and how these two theories can influence how public administration is thought and practiced.
Abstract: Public administration suffers from the problem of the logical division between facts and values if modernity is seen as the thoughts of logical positivism and instrumental rationalism. The instrumental rationality of modernity presented the concepts of efficiency, effectiveness, expertise, professionalism, accountability, and democracy and other issues in PA. On the other hand, interpretivism is based on the belief that there is no objective reality out there and reality is socially constructed. Reality is not something that exists outside the researcher as is the case under the positivist perspective. This article discusses how the two different theories, positivism and interpretivism, influence the way of thinking and practicing in the field of public administration.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine this phenomenon through semi-structured interviews with 26 current and former public employees and find that the main reasons for turnover are dissatisfaction with management style, reward practices, and promotion opportunities.
Abstract: Following four decades of economic growth the public sector, Oman is experiencing an emerging problem of labor turnover to the private sector. We examine this phenomenon through semi-structured interviews with 26 current and former public employees. The rate of turnover is low but this masks the impact of losses on key technical and management roles. The main reasons for turnover are dissatisfaction with management style, reward practices, and promotion opportunities. Findings are interpreted in the context of Islamic work values and implications for public management reform in Oman are provided.
TL;DR: In this article, the Kudumbashree Initiative, an innovative community-based, decentralized participatory structure aims to build meaningful forms of assets at grassroots levels, based on social relationships as well as the combined efforts of the state and grassroots community organizations may provide valuable lessons for developing asset accumulation strategies.
Abstract: This article explores to what extent decentralized structures can contribute to asset accumulation among disadvantaged groups, and improving livelihood choices. The process of asset accumulation is tied to the wider context of participatory institutions and opportunities within which social actors can transform assets into meaningful livelihood outcomes. Given its level of social development and civil society in the Indian state of Kerala, the Kudumbashree Initiative, an innovative community-based, decentralized participatory structure aims to build meaningful forms of assets at grassroots levels. Such participatory public action, based on social relationships as well as the combined efforts of the state and grassroots community organizations may provide valuable lessons for developing asset accumulation strategies.
TL;DR: A brief history of Kazakhstan's healthcare reform efforts is provided, and its most recent comprehensive healthcare reform, the National Program of Health Care Reform and Development for 2005–2010, is analyzed within the context of new public management (NPM).
Abstract: Faced with limited resources, governments around the world are struggling to devise the most effective means to deliver basic health services. This is especially true for transitional countries, such as Kazakhstan, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has embarked on a framework known as Kazakhstan 2030, which aims among other things, to improve the living standards of all Kazakhs by the year 2030. A number of reform agendas have been underway in the health sector. This article provides a brief history of Kazakhstan's healthcare reform efforts, and analyzes its most recent comprehensive healthcare reform, the National Program of Health Care Reform and Development for 2005–2010, within the context of new public management (NPM). The article juxtaposes aspects of the National Program of Health Care Reform and Development for 2005–2010 within the following elements of NPM: decentralization, competition, efficiency and quality, and civil society and partnerships.
TL;DR: The Nomogramma di Gandy addresses the need to appreciate the dynamics that can exist behind summary statistical analyses that focus on net changes, and can show trends over time.
Abstract: The Nomogramma di Gandy is a practical analytical tool and presentational method that can be applied to the subject of access to public services, such as universities, prisons, and hospitals Illustrative examples are provided It is flexible, requires minimal data, and can compare access across many geographical areas in one presentation It addresses the need to appreciate the dynamics that can exist behind summary statistical analyses that focus on net changes, and can show trends over time Such visual scanning of multiple data points and their relative juxtapositions, enables many common thinking errors to be minimized, if not completely avoided
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects-based approach to operations (EBAO) is used to measure the performance on a wide range of areas such as security, governance, and socio-economic development.
Abstract: Building on theories on new public management and results-based management, this article addresses performance measurement in comprehensive peace operations. More specifically it focuses on the Effects-Based Approach to Operations (EBAO) that is currently implemented by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan to measure the performance on a wide range of areas such as security, governance, and socio-economic development. The article reveals and structures several key challenges in the complex measurement process, varying from technical (e.g., the lack of targets or benchmarks for an indicator) to fundamental ones (e.g., the large controversy between intuition-driven and assessment-driven leadership) and provides recommendations to meet these challenges.
TL;DR: In the fall of 2009, the city of Prague set out to conduct a critical analysis of its overall performance by closely examining the performance of the city's districts as discussed by the authors, and a quantitative survey of all 22 administrative districts' e-governance and online presence was conducted.
Abstract: In the fall of 2009, the city of Prague set out to conduct a critical analysis of its overall performance by closely examining the performance of the city's districts. In conjunction with the E-Governance Institute at Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, and the Public Technology Institute in Washington D.C., a quantitative survey of all 22 administrative districts' e-governance and online presence was conducted. Guided by the survey results, qualitative case studies of the top five performing districts were carried out in January 2010. The underlying goal of this research project is to further improve e-governance in Prague and foster a greater understanding of successful digital government initiatives. The findings of the survey and the case studies are presented, and key findings in the case studies are highlighted.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the story of a government fixated on reasserting control in the age of governance, and show that determined governments can succeed in reinforcing central democratic control over complex implementation processes.
Abstract: Governance theory and research start from the assumption that in modern decision-making systems no formal control system can dictate the terms of the relationship between the plurality of interdependent actors and organizations (Chhotray & Stoker, 2010). In this article, we present the story of a government fixated on reasserting control in the age of governance. The government would not accept compliance gaps in policy implementation and deliberately redesigned the governance structure to achieve greater compliance and central control. The case is implementation of employment policies in Denmark. After reviewing the available evidence, we find that central decision makers have been successful in narrowing the former compliance gaps between policy objectives and local implementation. Although compliant implementation is not the same as effective or successful problem solving, the case shows that determined governments can succeed in reinforcing central democratic control over complex implementation processes.