Showing papers in "Public Organization Review in 2017"

Governance Reforms: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly; and the Sound: Examining the Past and Exploring the Future of Public Organizations

Abstract: This paper addresses governance reforms of the last three and a half decades and looks into the future. This is done in three parts. The first part presents a birds-eye view of the massive literature on governance and governance reforms with a focus on the good, the bad, and ugly sides, then in part two argues for an alternative concept or theory of “sound governance” with characteristics and dimensions that overcome the deficiencies of other models of governance. As a consequence of reforms, the third part examines the past and explores the future of public organizations via “going home” as a conclusion with possible scenarios, challenges, and opportunities.

Ex Ante Project Evaluation and the Complexity of Early Decision-Making

Abstract: This paper looks beyond more traditional evaluation activities to focus primarily on evaluation up front. It suggests that the early appraisal of an investment case or a project should apply essentially the same evaluation criteria that will be used in ex post evaluation, and thus increase the likelihood of a successful project outcome. However, the initial plan might be altered as result of subsequent analysis, assessment, negotiation, positioning, and the exercise of power. The last part of this paper presents an empirical study of 23 projects, which examines the complexity of processes that occur in the idea- and decision phases.

Public Organizations Between Old Public Administration, New Public Management and Public Governance: the Case of the Tuscany Region

Abstract: This paper analyzes the presence of different managerial approaches in a public organization, the Tuscany Region of Italy. In particular, it highlights the phenomenon of the plurality of frameworks working in the organization, namely Old Public Administration (OPA), New Public Management (NPM) and Public Governance (PG). The transformation and coexistence of the above-mentioned models is tested with a content analysis based on the perspectives of policy makers and top-level managers expressed in interviews and on the context of administration planning and control systems found in documents. Each managerial logic has a different relevance in the organization.

Explaining Citizens’ E-Participation Use: the Role of Perceived Advantages

Abstract: This article analyzes some of the reasons people choose e-participation over traditional involvement forums as a way of having public policy input. The research aimed to see whether people perceived that e-participation has time, cost, quality, and transparency advantages over traditional participation channels which some researchers have suggested is the case. The study also wanted to investigate whether perceiving one or more of these advantages has an impact on whether a person uses e-participation. Using data from the 2012 EU eGovernment Benchmark-User survey we found that people who perceive these advantages are more likely to use e-participation but the various advantages have different impacts. Saving time has the strongest impact on use. Perceiving quality and transparency advantages also impacts use, but a perceived cost advantage does not. In addition, we found that people are more likely to use e-participation if they are satisfied with a jurisdiction’s website and application design. These findings have implications for how governments should design and market websites if they want to increase e-participation.

Determinants of Citizen Usage Intentions in e-Government: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract: Local governments have implemented official websites, making e-Government a holistic access platform for modern public administration service provision. However, academic and managerial knowledge about the success of e-Government remains limited. Given that citizen needs have become a focus of interest, it is reasonable to investigate its success factors from a user-oriented perspective. Existing scientific knowledge does not comprehensively explain the usage intentions of today’s heterogeneous e-Government city portal users. Hence, this study conceptualizes important determinants of local e-Government portals identifying key factors that determine intention to use from a citizen viewpoint.

Diversity Management and Fairness in Public Organizations

Abstract: Diversity management was initially adopted in the pursuit of fairness and equality and the promotion of an inclusive workforce by public organizations. However, previous studies regarding diversity management have focused on job performance or job satisfaction. Thus, in this article, we attempt to examine whether diversity management advances organizational fairness in public organizations. By examining data from the 2013 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS), we find that diversity management is positively related to the perception of organizational fairness in the federal workplace. In addition, we also find that female and minority employees perceive diversity management in terms of fairness differently.

Public Multichannel Management – an Integrated Framework of Off- and Online Multichannel Government Services

Abstract: Government institutions have introduced multichannel environments over time following trends and technological innovations. These public multichannel environments often neglect specific channel characteristics and potentials and thus miss the opportunity to make full use of a strategic channel integration and combination with a focus on customer value creation. This study offers a systematic approach to establish an integrated public multichannel system not only taking into account user preferences, habits and their environment, but also the respective channel issuer and the characteristics of channels and public interfaces. Against this background, the study presents a systematic approach to expand services and channels according to their capacities, and provides academics and practitioners with a framework on public multichannel strategies.

Intelligent Public Organisations

Abstract: The article explores the nature of the intelligence and organisational learning of public sector organisations with regard to both individual organisations and multiple organisational ecosystems. The main ideas behind modern systems theory (MST) and the logic developed by the MST theorists in the domain of organisational intelligence are pinpointed in the paper. The article presupposes that the basic structure of the organisational features of intelligence consists of leadership, strategy and foresight, people, partnerships and resources, and organisational processes, and the intelligence builds on these features. The article concludes with an explicit definition of the organisational activities that generate organisational intelligence, putting forward best practice examples with regard to these activities while also presenting scientific evidence to back up these claims.

E-Government Implementation: Theoretical Aspects and Empirical Evidence

Abstract: Despite its increasing importance and beneficial outcomes, e-government still has not been fully implemented. Previous literature has scarcely been able to provide a holistic explanation for this research issue. In this study we identify drivers of and barriers to e-government implementation and empirically examine these aspects. This paper contributes to the e-government literature by presenting a comprehensive overview of drivers and barriers and providing empirical evidence thereof. Also, it represents a further step towards filling in the gap concerning our knowledge of the reasons for the lack of e-government implementation. Furthermore, we derive academic and managerial implications and provide suggestions for future research.

Managerial networking and stakeholder support in public service organizations

Abstract: Resource dependence theory suggests that to function successfully, organizations must obtain certain resources controlled by actors in their environment. To do this effectively, managers often develop networking relationships with key stakeholder groups in order to make critical resources available. Managers in public service organizations, in particular, are frequently under great pressure to network with relevant actors from stakeholder groups in order to build support for service (co)production and legitimacy for strategic and operational decisions. To identify networking strategies which are conducive to stakeholder support, we explore the networking behaviour of over 1,000 English local government managers. Fuzzy cluster analysis identifies four distinctive, though inter-related types of managerial networking: technical, reputational, political, and tokenistic. The cluster membership functions from this analysis are used to examine the relationship between types of networking and stakeholder support in depth. The results of hierarchical regression analysis suggest that technically-orientated networking is the most conducive to stakeholder support, with tokenistic networking the least conducive.

‘Strong Personalities’ and ‘Strong Institutions’ Mediated by a ‘Strong Third Force’: Thinking ‘Systems’ in Corruption Control

Abstract: Corruption in public sector is a complex, ‘messy’ and ‘fuzzy’ phenomenon which involves calculus machinations between actors and constantly growing in sophistication. Consequently, an attempt to prevent, control or fight it requires systems thinking that ranges from public officials with integrity and personal ethics [strong personalities]; administrative rules and procedures as well as governments adopting, enforcing and monitoring appropriate systems [strong institutions]. This paper provides a systems approach to enhancing public sector ethics through ‘a corruption control tripod’ in preventing, controlling and combating corruption in all its forms. This framework discusses three overarching pillars and argues that adopting a reductionist approach in corruption control would yield futility; there is a need for synthesis so that each one would reinforce the other.

The Global Wave of Refugees and Migrants: Complex Challenges for European Policy Makers

Abstract: This article reviews the burdensome problem posed by the arrival in the European countries of large number of refugees and migrants from countries at war or with little economic opportunities. It differentiates the issues of migrants (for economic reasons) and refugees (humanitarian grounds). This wave of refugees currently poses huge challenges to European policy makers. The article suggests some policy initiatives that could solve or at least control the present chaos, disorder, and uncertainty created by the arrival of this unprecedented number of refugees.

The Bias of Structures: How Multidivisional Organizations Work in the Public Sector

Abstract: This paper discusses the unexploited possibilities that organization theory offers for explaining the policy output of public-sector organizations. Although political scientists frequently argue that organization matters, exactly how it matters remains unresolved. To investigate this issue, the concept of the multidivisional organization (M-form) is applied to the public sector. Three dimensions of the M-form are identified for closer inspection: 1) the structure-strategy relationship, 2) the managerial or leadership dimension, and 3) the external-relations dimension. Several empirical examples are used to demonstrate that the M-form exerts an independent impact on policy output. While the M-form allows a single organization to perform multiple functions, it also works against crosscutting policies and is inclined toward clientelism and capture. The use of the M-form concept is beneficial for political science analyses in that it requires paying greater attention to the “internal life” of governmental and public-sector organizations.

Performance Budgeting in Practice: the Case of Danish Hospital Management

Abstract: Performance budgeting systems have been introduced in the OECD countries with the proclaimed aim to increase public sector efficiency. However, the aim has often been hampered by a lack of relevant information, symbolic politics and conflicting political preferences. In this study, we investigate Danish public hospitals to see how performance budgeting works in the regions where the fundamental problems of performance information are negligible and the regions statutorily obligated to increase public sector efficiency by performance budgeting. The analysis shows that the regions in general have designed the performance budgeting system to increase efficiency and mitigate the dilemma of performance budgeting between increasing activity and controlling cost at the same time. Still, there are signs of moderation of the instrumental efficiency use of performance budgeting due to political concerns for equity.

Public-Private Governance Regimes in the Global Sphere

Abstract: Globally, there are challenges and threats that cannot be targeted by a single actor, even if it may be a national state, legitimized and willing to act. Hence, new collaboration regimes were created: international organizations, but also – formal or informal – cooperations with the private sector. Our paper discusses organization forms of these cooperations or ‘global public private partnerships’ (GPPP) theoretically and outlines framework conditions for the use of these global partnerships. Additionally, the health sector will be tackled exemplarily to delineate in how far GPPP are largely depending on the nature of the good provided.

Ryan White CARE Act and Collaborative Governance Re-Examined: the South Florida Experience

Abstract: This research sequel employs collaborative governance framework with the aim to ascertain whether HIV/AIDS collaborative governance still works in Broward and Palm Beach Counties of South Florida within the context of efforts to provide care and treatment to target populations. The study uses interviews, observations, and document reviews to garner data from all relevant sources of the Councils and focuses on 2000–2006 and 2009–2013 time frames. The collected data was subjected to integration of themes and concepts based on category analysis. The analysis reveals representation and participation of target populations, service providers, non-elected community leaders and other relevant stakeholders in decision making enable collective problem solving. The research contributes to theory and praxis by highlighting collaborative governance presents public managers the viable option of serving as advocates of various interests in society.

Do Work-Life Benefits Enhance the Work Attitudes of Employees? Findings from a Panel Study

Abstract: Several years of data were obtained from a survey administered in U.S. federal agencies. The results revealed that work-life programs did not negatively affect turnover intentions. In fact, two work-life programs (i.e., teleworking and employee assistance programs) were actually found to increase turnover intentions. However, one of the work-life programs (health and wellness) was found to positively affect satisfaction. The practical and theoretical implications of the article are discussed in the paper.

Testing Turbulence: Exploring the Determinants of Managerial Networking

Abstract: A scholarly consensus holds that turbulent environments have damaging effects on public service performance. Turbulence, both internal and external organizations, has been demonstrated to negatively impact chances for organizations to meet goals and sometimes to survive. Less scholarly attention, however, is paid to how turbulence affects managerial strategy. This paper seeks to address how managerial strategy changes toward external environments and investigates what alternations managers make to combat turbulence. This question is theoretically and practically appropriate to comprehensively understand the effects of environmental turbulence for public organizations.

Leadership and Overload Stress Orientations of German and Russian Working Adults: Does Government Work Experience Make a Difference?

Abstract: This paper examines task, relationship, and overload stress orientations of people in the high-context cultures of Russia and in the low-context cultures of Germany based on their government work experience. A Two-way ANOVA methodology is used for hypotheses testing in this research. As a result of the comparative, cross-national analysis of 462 responses, some significant differences were found between the two samples. Russians have higher scores on task and relationship orientations than German respondents. There is a marginally significant difference in the task scores between respondents who have government experience and those who do not. Respondents who have government experience are more task-oriented and experience more stress than those who do not have government experience. Finding reveals significant interaction between government experience and country in the task scores. Literature on German and Russian cultures is presented along with practical applications, suggestions, and implications for future studies.

When Engagement Meets Politics: Analysis of a Brazilian Public Institution

Abstract: Perception of organizational politics (POP) is usually associated with counterproductive factors. The reason for this stigma is that generally when employees perceive self-interest actions or backstage manoeuvres, they identify obstacles to their careers. On the other hand, the concept work engagement represents physical, cognitive and emotional factors from its dimensions (vigor, dedication and absorption) that can connect employees to their jobs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the dimensions of work engagement and perceptions of organizational politics in a public institution. Data were collected from 847 employees of a public educational institution, followed by a hierarchical cluster analysis to characterize groups with high and low work engagement scores. Multiple linear regressions were performed for each cluster. It was found that in the low engagement group, the three constructs’ dimensions were negatively related to POP. In the high engagement group there was no negative relationship between those two concepts, but a positive association between dedication and perception of politics was found. The results show evidence that highly engaged civil servants do not identify politics as an obstacle to their career development. The study also suggests that POP level is high in public educational institutions.

Accountability, Political Views, and Bureaucratic Behavior: A Theoretical Approach

Abstract: This study has developed a theoretical framework to predict bureaucratic behaviors with career public officials’ political views (whether career public officials agree or disagree with their overhead political principals’ ideology) and bureaucratic accountability (accountability either to the overhead political principals or to the public sentiment) by adopting and extending Hirschman’s (1970) exit, voice, and loyalty model Given the two conditions, this study has drawn four propositions of possible bureaucratic responses: loyalty; voice; exit; and silence In addition, the stay scenario is discussed for passive bureaucrats regardless of the two dimensions By incorporating relevant examples with the propositions, this study expects to contribute to a better understanding of bureaucratic behavior

Strategic Planning in the Malawi Public Sector: Potential Tool for Progress or Regression?

Abstract: The process of developing strategic plans in the public sector is regarded as one indicator of positive reform in the system. The assumption is that strategic planning ensures that (just like in the private sector) public sector organizations’ operations should cost less but deliver better service. Ultimately the argument is that public sector institutional governance and responsiveness to the citizenry is not only seen but felt. However, strategic planning has to be done in an appropriate manner for it to deliver. For instance an analysis of the underlying motives, the role of leadership in the process as well as the relevance or viability of the guiding strategic planning model significantly affect the nature of expected results. In the early 2000s, the Malawi public sector embarked on a serious drive towards strategic planning process as part of its reform package. In order to ascertain it’s potential to transform the Malawi public service, this paper focuses at critically analyzing the strategic planning process in the Malawi public sector by among other things asking: who initiated and led the process? What approach determined the process? What is the possible potentiality of the adopted strategic planning approach in enhancing the reform agenda in Malawi? Based on interviews with senior officers in key Malawi public sector institutions, the paper concludes that the strategic planning process is ‘transitional and fluid’ hence lacks the clout to effectively enhance reforms in this sector. Another finding is that lack of effective leadership has largely contributed to the status quo.

Globalization and the Quality of Government: an Analysis of the Relationship

Abstract: This research seeks to investigate the relationship between globalization and the quality of government. By using the Quality of Government Institute data, the paper analyzes the relationships between globalization and the government quality. The paper uses both KOF scores and the scores by the Heritage Foundation to measure globalization. The results show that economic and political globalization is a significant predictor of the quality of government. When all the variables on economic freedom are taken into consideration, fiscal, business and trade freedoms are critical factors influencing the quality of governance.

The Role of Organizational Identities for Policy Integration Processes – Managing Sustainable Transport Development

Abstract: Sustainable transport development is a complex, but necessary issue to manage if the use of fossil energy will decrease and transportation become more energy-efficient and environmental friendly. T ...

Are We on the Same Page? Determinants of School Board Member Understanding of Group Accountability Perceptions

Abstract: This article connects the accountability and small group dynamics literature by testing several hypotheses related to the link between perceived dynamics on American school boards and board member agreement on accountability perceptions The authors conclude that board members who view their boards as productive, low-conflict, and active, are more likely to be in agreement with their fellow members’ perceptions of accountability The results are of use to scholars seeking to understand the relationships between small group dynamics, accountability, and performance on governing boards

Erratum to: Examining the Relationship between Civil Servant Perceptions of Organizational Culture and Job Attitudes: in the Context of the New Public Management Reform in South Korea

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between public officials’ perceptions of organizational culture and their job attitudes, particularly emphasizing a mediating role of job satisfaction under the new public management reform in South Korea. Data collected from Korean civil servants indicate that perceptions of the competing values rooted in different organizational culture types—clan, market, hierarchy, and adhocracy—differentially affect their job attitudes. In addition, the findings show the mediating influence of job satisfaction between public officials’ perceptions of organizational culture and organizational commitment.

Are Nuclear-Weapon States not Parties to the Non-proliferation Treaty Ready to Renounce to the Possession of Nuclear Weapons?

Abstract: The situation of nuclear-weapon states not parties to the NPT is different from the situation of the nuclear-weapon states parties to that treaty. This last group of countries has signed and ratified a treaty that encourage them to begin negotiations in good faith for the discussion of concrete measures that lead them to nuclear disarmament, while the first group of states have made no commitment to do that. In other words, nuclear-weapon states not parties to the NPT have made no commitment to nuclear disarmament and are not obliged to report anything related to the possession of nuclear weapons to the any specific body or organ or to the international community. Taking into account the position of nuclear-weapon states parties to the NPT regarding the possession of nuclear weapons, there is no possibility to convince nuclear-weapon states not parties to this treaty to renounce to the possession of this type of weapons under the present circumstances.

Effective Public Administration for a Mid-Sized Space Power: Comparison of Canada and the United States

Abstract: The development of space technologies is tied to economic and national interests. Historically, space technology development has been dominated by government agencies. There are key difference between the public administration models implemented by Canada and the United States due to the vast differences in resources. Topics examined in this article include legislative acts, organizational structure, contractor relations, breadth of research, national prestige, policy setting, and the economic activity generated by public space programs. In contrast to the United States, Canada has emphasized development of industrial, rather than in-house, capabilities and has focused on developing niche expertise to achieve national objectives.

Policy Learning Mechanisms and the Regulation of US Drinking Water

Abstract: Can regulatory agencies become learning organizations? The purpose of this article is to assert that they can when the right learning mechanisms are in place. This article utilizes the literatures on US regulatory politics, organizational learning, and policy learning to elaborate the concept of learning mechanisms and examine the circumstances under which they are most likely to be utilized within regulatory agencies. The second half of the article examines the utilization of learning mechanisms within US drinking water regulation during the years when the drinking water policy community was working to formulate and implement the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 (1996–2015). The article concludes by summarizing the findings and offering some propositions for future research.

How Nuclear-Weapon States Parties to the Non-proliferation Treaty Understand Nuclear Disarmament

Abstract: Disarmament measures included in the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) are, for most of the nuclear-weapon states, an objective to be reached in a very long-term. Based on this position, the current nuclear-weapon states parties to the NPT believe that they do not have to show, at this stage, the necessary political will to begin the nuclear disarmament process at the multilateral level and under international supervision, as requested so many times by the international community on the basis of article VI of the NPT. For this reason, all of them are in the process of modernising their nuclear weapons arsenals, ignoring their commitments and obligations as NPT states parties.