Showing papers in "International Review of Administrative Sciences in 2017"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the role of local governments in the context of broader multi-level governance (MLG) networks and focus on a policy topic that is currently challenging MLG in Europe in a profound way: immigrant policies.
Abstract: This Special Issue speaks to the emergent literature on the role of local governments in the context of broader multi-level governance (MLG) networks (Bache and Flinders, 2004; Hooghe and Marks, 2001; Peters and Pierre, 2001; Piattoni, 2010; Stephenson, 2013). Although often applied to European Union (EU) national-state relations or to federal states, we believe that MLG can also be used as a framework of analysis for relations between local, regional, national and EU governments in a broader sense. Furthermore, much of the MLG literature is currently considering specific policy areas, such as environment, climate change, social cohesion and higher education. Instead, we will focus on a policy topic that is currently challenging MLG in Europe in a profound way: immigrant policies. In particular, we consider the linkages between MLG and the growing importance of local governance in the area of immigrant policies. Although often strongly framed in the context of national models of integration, recent studies direct attention to the local – mainly city – level, which has become increasingly prominent and entrepreneurial in the field of migrant integration. In this respect, we will speak of a ‘local turn’ that we will attempt to make sense of from an MLG perspective. This Special Issue argues that although there is a growing interest in the local governance of migrant integration, very little work has been done on the implications of this turn for the MLG of migrant integration (see, for instance, the seminal
148 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a scale of nine items measuring three dimensions: perceived competence, benevolence, and integrity, and validated these scales using data from two different samples.
Abstract: Citizen trust in government at the macro level has been studied by public administration scholars for many years. To further our understanding, assessing trust at the meso level of government organizations is important to more precisely determine effects and antecedents of trust at the organizational level. The organizational trust literature has shown that organizational trustworthiness is multidimensional, but the extant literature has not validated such measures in a public administration context. The proposed scale builds on and adapts an existing organizational trust scale to a public administration context. The ‘Citizen Trust in Government Organizations’ scale is validated using data from two different samples (total n = 991), resulting in a scale of nine items measuring three dimensions: perceived competence, benevolence, and integrity. This scale can be used by other researchers and is valuable to gain a more specific and multi-dimensional understanding of trust in government organizations.Points ...
135 citations
TL;DR: The concept of big data is presented, the possibilities for using big data in the public sector and methods of their utilization are outlined, and cases where these have been implemented are highlighted, along with the results.
Abstract: Big data have become a game-changer for modern public administration in those areas in which they are used. Although their application is still limited in the public sector, their use develops dyna...
99 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper analyzed public trust in government in contemporary urban China with a comprehensive representative survey and tested the factors associated with public trust and found that the variables of citizen satisfaction with the quality of public services, general democracy, participation in government and the transparency of government are positively associated with the public trust.
Abstract: Several studies suggest that public trust in government in China remains high and without any trend of decline despite the fact that public trust in government has declined dramatically in developed countries. This article analyses public trust in government in contemporary urban China with a comprehensive representative survey and tests the factors associated with public trust in government. Trust in government in China is found to be much lower than previous studies have indicated. Furthermore, the variables of citizen satisfaction with the quality of public services, general democracy, participation in government and the transparency of government are positively associated with public trust in government in China at both the city and central level. In addition, this research also finds that citizens who are younger, more highly educated and well-paid have a lower probability of trust in government in China. These findings suggest that maintaining political trust will be a challenge for the Chinese gove...
82 citations
TL;DR: The current relationship between the state and civil society in Europe is a curious and historically unique one as discussed by the authors, and this is no longer a situation in which participation and association prepare citizen.
Abstract: The current relationship between the state and civil society in Europe is a curious and historically unique one. This is no longer a situation in which participation and association prepare citizen...
71 citations
TL;DR: In the academic literature, mainstreaming is conceptualized as a shift in policy focus (from specific to generic), as well as in governance (from state-centric to poly-centric). Whereas mainstreaming has been applied in various areas, such as gender, disability and environment, a more recent application concerns migrant integration, which has so far been understudied in academic circles as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In the academic literature, mainstreaming is conceptualized as a shift in policy focus (from specific to generic), as well as in governance (from state-centric to poly-centric). Whereas mainstreaming has been applied in various areas, such as gender, disability and environment, a more recent application concerns migrant integration, which has so far been under-studied in academic circles. This article provides a critical analysis of mainstreaming as a supposed ‘trend’ in migrant integration policies. It provides a conceptual discussion of what mainstreaming might mean in the field of migrant integration in an effort to connect the concept of mainstreaming as used in other fields to the literature on migrant integration, and notably the emerging concept of interculturalism. Following this, it provides an empirical analysis of shifts in integration governance and policy in Denmark, France, Germany and the UK in an effort to explain whether mainstreaming, as conceptualized, is taking place. The article concl...
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse integration policies and governance processes in three regions: Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, taking into account the interdependencies of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of multi-level governance.
Abstract: This article contributes to the debate on the ‘local governance turn’ by considering a recent immigration context: the Italian case. We analyse integration policies and governance processes in three regions: Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. The aim is to shed new light on the multi-level governance relations that shape immigrant integration policies, taking into account the interdependencies of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of multi-level governance. The analysis points out the emergence of different multi-level governance arrangements and highlights the relevance of institutional and organisational factors in accounting for local differentiation. General traditions and established public–non-governmental organisation relations in the social policy field, the internal organisation of the regional administration (specialised staff versus general bureaucratic apparatus), and the role of ideology appear to make a difference. The implications of this analysis for multi-level governance scholars...
55 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the joint influences of work exhaustion, job demands (red tape, role conflict, work overload), and public service motivation on street-level bureaucrats' turnover intention.
Abstract: This study examines the joint influences of work exhaustion, job demands (red tape, role conflict, work overload), and public service motivation on street-level bureaucrats’ turnover intention Based on a survey of 4974 Korean street-level bureaucrats, the study examines the potential mediating role of work exhaustion and complex moderating role of public service motivation in determining street-level bureaucrats’ turnover intention In line with previous research, we find that job demands have both direct and indirect associations with street-level bureaucrats’ turnover intention through work exhaustion However, public service motivation was found to reduce the employees’ turnover intention in two different ways First, public service motivation was found to have a direct negative association with turnover intention In addition, it was also found to mitigate the positive associations between job demands and work exhaustion, and between job demands and turnover intentionPoints for practitionersThe find
53 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of national context on public service motivation has been examined and the antecedents, correlates, and outcomes of PSM have been explained, but little is known about the influence that national context has on PSM.
Abstract: Much research has focused on finding and explaining the antecedents, correlates, and outcomes of public service motivation (PSM), but little is known about the influence of national context on indi...
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the link between codes of ethics and organizational commitment, as well as its three dimensions of affective, normative and continuance commitment, in Ghanaian public service organizations.
Abstract: One of the most difficult and under-examined issues in the ethics research of developing countries is whether the establishment of codes of ethics in public service organizations leads to employees’ organizational commitment. This study investigates the link between codes of ethics and organizational commitment, as well as its three dimensions of affective, normative and continuance commitment, in Ghanaian public service organizations. Correlational, regression and descriptive statistics were used to study 228 participants conveniently sampled from selected public service organizations within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Empirical evidence showed that codes of ethics significantly and positively predicted employees’ organizational commitment, as well as the three dimensions of the affective, normative and continuance commitment of employees.Points for practitionersCodes are intended to educate the general public, and employees in particular, about the mission of an organization, to foster a good eth...
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated how Danish and Swedish national policies vis-a-vis refugees and asylum seekers are perceived, and responded to, at the municipal level in the cities of Aarhus and Malmo.
Abstract: This article investigates how Danish and Swedish national policies vis-a-vis refugees and asylum seekers are perceived, and responded to, at the municipal level in the cities of Aarhus and Malmo. As will be spelled out in the article, municipal representatives raised their voices in both Denmark and Sweden during the middle of the 1990s, arguing that their municipalities had to carry a larger ‘burden of reception’ than they could manage, and they thus urged for changes in the national dispersal and migration policies. The response at the national level was dramatically different in Denmark than in Sweden, however. This is today apparent not only in the sheer numbers of newcomers but also in municipal introduction practices as well as in the institutional memories of municipal officials.Points for practitionersThe findings presented in this study point both to the possibility for municipalities to have a direct impact on national policies, in this case mainly on refugee settlement policies, but also to how...
TL;DR: In this article, a model for the measurement of intellectual capital in higher education institutions is presented, and the results of a study done at Spanish public universities are used to indicate which intangible elements need to be measured, and a new framework for measuring and managing intellectual capital is presented.
Abstract: Intellectual capital approaches become critical at universities mainly due to the fact that knowledge is the main output as well as input in these institutions. Although some attempts to measure intellectual capital have been made so far, there is still a long way to go. The purpose of the present article is to provide a model for the measurement of intellectual capital in higher education institutions. The results of a study done at Spanish public universities are used to indicate which intangible elements need to be measured, and a new framework for the measurement and management of intellectual capital is presented.Points for practitionersThe main contribution of this article is the validation of the consensus on the key intangible elements and indicators that should comprise a university intellectual capital model. Our proposed intellectual capital model helps universities on the path to presenting information that is useful to their stakeholders, contributing to greater transparency, accountability a...
TL;DR: This paper analyzed the factors that seem to play an important role in determining the cost of sovereign debt, and evaluated to what extent transparency, the level of corruption, and citi-level corruption played important roles.
Abstract: This article analyses the factors that seem to play an important role in determining the cost of sovereign debt. Specifically, we evaluate to what extent transparency, the level of corruption, citi...
TL;DR: In this article, a level-specific study of the governance of immigrant incorporation by European municipalities is presented, focusing on cities with diversity policies and comparing the meaning of diversity in formulated policies with policy implementation.
Abstract: There is widespread agreement that the local level has become more self-confident and self-reliant in formulating its own immigrant policies and sometimes developing distinct philosophies of immigrant incorporation. However, to date we know little about the actual capacities of cities to implement these philosophies consistently. This article offers a level-specific study of the governance of immigrant incorporation by European municipalities. It focuses on cities with diversity policies and it compares the meaning of diversity in formulated policies with policy implementation. Identifying an implementation gap of diversity policies in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Leeds, it argues that cities may have become more self-reliant and self-confident in coming up with their own ideas and concepts for governing immigration, but this may not mean that they also consistently implement these ideas. This article identifies two explanations for an implementation gap and different capacities across cities to consistently im...
TL;DR: The notion of a global public service has been put forth in the literature as a means of addressing a number of policy issues that can no longer be addressed by a nation-state in isolation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The notion of a global public service has been put forth in the literature as a means of addressing a number of policy issues that can no longer be addressed by a nation-state in isolation. This ar...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the effects of ability-, motivation- and opportunity-enhancing human resources practices on the effectiveness, efficiency and fairness of public organizations, with job satisfaction considered as a mediating variable.
Abstract: Background In response to recent calls in the literature to decompose both the human resources system and performance, this study has examined the effects of ability-, motivation- and opportunity-enhancing human resources practices on the effectiveness, efficiency and fairness of public organizations, with job satisfaction considered as a mediating variable.Aim Insights from Human Resource Management and performance research, mostly conducted in the private sector, have been combined with public management literature in order to gain insight into the Human Resource Management–performance relationship in the public sector.Method Regression analysis with a bootstrapping method was used to test the mediating effects.Results The analysis showed that the three human resources components heterogeneously impact upon the three performance outcomes. Further, the results showed that ability-enhancing and opportunity-enhancing human resources practices are more strongly related to performance outcomes than motivatio...
TL;DR: Intersectoral policy networks may be effective in dealing with complex public health problems and may be improved by adequate network management, the creation of trust and policy coordination and integration, according to public health experts.
Abstract: Intersectoral policy networks may be effective in dealing with complex public health problems. Their performance is assumed to depend on network management and trust, as well as on integrated publi...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted an empirical study of 148 Spanish municipalities and analyzed data from four years, applying a random effects logistic regression model to identify risk factors for default by local governments, and provide useful information to municipal financial managers.
Abstract: Concern has been expressed by international organisations and in previous studies about the financial situation of local governments, and the question of debt has been identified as a crucial element in efforts to overcome the current financial crisis. However, the variables that can affect the financial soundness of these governments have not been sufficiently studied, despite their direct relation to the credit risk premium. In this article, we aim to identify risk factors for default by local governments, and provide useful information to municipal financial managers. We conducted an empirical study of 148 Spanish municipalities and analysed data from four years, applying a random effects logistic regression model. Our findings reveal that a lower population density, less dependent population, falling levels of per capita income and the presence of progressive local government are all risk factors for default by local governments. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the general financing structure ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the Confucian and Western traditions specifically with regard to the relation between morality, law and good administration, and concluded that good administration requires officials with both good morality and respect for the law; whether this is a kind of convergence is a matter of debate.
Abstract: This article investigates the Confucian and Western traditions specifically with regard to the relation between morality, law and good administration. It is argued that the common opposition between the rule of man and the rule of law as reflecting the basic difference between the two traditions is inadequate. Confucianism can be better characterized positively as the rule of morality. It should also be noticed that ?the rule of law? is increasingly being introduced into the Chinese administration. Similarly, even though the Western tradition can be summarized in terms of the rule of law, it is acknowledged that ?the rule of man? cannot be avoided, and that morality is important. Both traditions oppose the rule of man, in as far as it refers to someone acting out his selfish preferences. It is concluded that good administration requires officials with both good morality and respect for the law; whether this is a kind of convergence is a matter of debate.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the local turn of migration and integration policies in historical perspective in Newcastle upon Tyne and Bremen, and draw upon a wide range of government documentation and...
Abstract: This article addresses the ‘local turn’ of migration and integration policies in historical perspective in Newcastle upon Tyne and Bremen. It draws upon a wide range of government documentation and...
TL;DR: The main purpose of as mentioned in this paper is to analyse Barcelona's mainstreaming approach to intercultural policy from the beginning of its immigration process, and their key questions are threefold: (a) why was...
Abstract: The main purpose of this article is to analyse Barcelona’s mainstreaming approach to intercultural policy from the beginning of its immigration process. My key questions are threefold: (a) why was ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the higher education reform pathways of France and Italy using a scheme of empirical indicators, focusing on the divergent and convergent developments in these two countries.
Abstract: This article comparatively examines the higher education reform pathways of France and Italy. Using a scheme of empirical indicators, I focus on the divergent and convergent developments in these t...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the importance of citizen participation in democratic development in West Africa, especially in mitigating setbacks arising from poor governance, and highlight the need to strengthen citizen participation.
Abstract: Strengthening citizen participation in West Africa is an increasingly important aspect of democratic development – especially in mitigating setbacks arising from poor governance. This article uses ...
TL;DR: Smart specialisation is now a major idea behind the European Commission's cohesion policy reforms in the field of innovation, and it must be applied by European Union member countries in order to s... as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Smart specialisation is now a major idea behind the European Commission’s cohesion policy reforms in the field of innovation, and it must be applied by European Union member countries in order to s...
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-sectional survey of Turkish district governors was conducted to assess the impact of personality on decision-making among public managers and found that Openness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion are important in the analysis of decision making subjects, tasks, and contexts.
Abstract: Using a cross-sectional survey of 254 Turkish district governors, this study assesses the impact of personality on decision-making among public managers. The research evaluates self-reported results from the Five-Factor Model of personality and the Decision-Making Questionnaire of the psychology literature. The findings suggest that Openness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion are important in the analysis of decision-making subjects, tasks, and contexts, respectively. Departing from previous research, the analysis here suggests that culture and structure are important factors in explaining personality and decision-making in public administration.Points for practitionersThis study offers policy implications for the recruitment, performance appraisal, training, and assignment of practitioners in the public service. Personality assessments can be used as a valuable tool during the evaluation of public officials under consideration for recruitment, appointment, and promotion. Matching the personalities of p...
TL;DR: In this article, public administration as a practice as well as a discipline has arguably played a pivotal role in such a developmental process in East Asia, where public administration is one of the most successful economies in the world today.
Abstract: East Asia has one of the most successful economies in the world today, so public administration as a practice as well as a discipline has arguably played a pivotal role in such a developmental proc...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the potential transformation of practices triggered by the introduction of performance indicators in the water utilities in France in the late 2000s, and show that the t...
Abstract: This article aims to examine the potential transformation of practices triggered by the introduction of performance indicators in the water utilities in France in the late 2000s. We show that the t...
TL;DR: In this paper, a quantitative content analysis of two international pee-rent companies was performed to assess whether public administration research is eligible for research ethics review or not through quantitative content analyses.
Abstract: This article reports on research aimed at assessing why Public Administration research is eligible for research ethics review or not through a quantitative content analysis of two international pee...
TL;DR: In this paper, two distinct bureaucrat typologies are identified in Belfast and the evidence demonstrates that an elite-level bureaucrat may actively represent his or her own professional interests or, alternatively, may seek out and actively represent the interests of the political elite as a collective.
Abstract: This article reports research on bureaucrat behaviour. Where discretion exists, do primary associations such as religious, gender or racial identity guide behaviour or are these associations superseded by secondary learned professional or technocratic attachments? Using the theoretical lens of representative bureaucracy and Q methodology to investigate bureaucrat role perceptions, two distinct bureaucrat typologies are identified in Belfast. The evidence demonstrates that an elite-level bureaucrat may actively represent his or her own professional interests or, alternatively, may seek out and actively represent the interests of the political elite as a collective. The findings have implications for representative bureaucracy research as it is demonstrated that an elite-level bureaucrat may actively represent something other than a primary identity. This contribution also provides a useful insight into everyday life within a bureau of a successful power-sharing system of governance.Points for practitioners...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability instrument tool for evaluating public financial accountability and conclude that the public expenditure and financial accountability indicators related to, in particular, parliamentary committees for financial oversight and Supreme Audit Institutions.
Abstract: Since 2005, the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability tool has been widely used in developing countries and emerging economies to evaluate the performance of public financial management systems. In this article, we assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability instrument tool for evaluating public financial accountability. We examine the theoretical literature on public accountability in order to derive a suitable normative framework to assess the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability tool. However, given that this literature is based on experiences in developed countries, we must extend it to also take into account the political cultures and practices in developing countries. Using this extended framework, we assess the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability indicators related to, in particular, parliamentary committees for financial oversight and Supreme Audit Institutions. We conclude that the Public Expenditure and Financial Acc...