Social Equity in Local Public Administration

Abstract

This article explores and tests whether awareness of social equity in public services delivery is existed in local public administration and citizens, and whether these perceptions are different between local offices and citizens. Using data from a survey of Pakistani local public offices (n = 150) and citizens (n = 1200), the authors generally find positive awareness of fairness, justice and social equity but the strength of the associations vary among different level of income groups. Awareness of fairness and justice and social equity differs significantly between public offices and citizens in services delivery. The practical implications of the findings and recommendations are discussed. The important implication this article shows that local public organizations can benefit in issues of fairness, justice and in equity in public services delivery while facilitating the two-way communication between public offices and citizens and there is need of professional public administration that can understand and practice social equity.