A systematic review of the literature on determinants of public managers' attitudes toward public participation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research on public managers’ attitudes towards local public participation has expanded rapidly during the past two decades. Studies show that public managers’ attitudes towards public participation play an important role in the success of participatory practices. However, there is a lack of systematic evidence on determinants of public managers’ attitudes towards public participation. In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature review of determinants of public managers’ attitudes towards public participation. Based on evidence from 99 peer-reviewed journal articles, we establish four categories of determinants: 1. Personal characteristics; 2. Process characteristics; 3. Organisational structures and culture; and 4. Contextual features. The results suggest that public managers’ attitudes towards public participation are multi-dimensional and context specific. This study may help policymakers manage public managers’ negative attitudes towards public participation or increase their positive attitudes towards public participation through professional training and education.