The Effect of Autonomous Decision Making of Local Government about Port Matters on the Port Industry and Regional Development

Abstract

Purpose - This study sought to investigate and analyze autonomous decision making of local government officials on port matters and its influence on the port industry and regional development. Design/methodology/approach - This study surveyed public officials and researchers who plan and execute port policies, and derived six variables based on survey. And then, this study was analyzed the influence relationship of variables using multiple regression analysis. Findings - Results are as follows. First, the autonomy of local government to decide on port matters showed positive influence on revitalization of port industry, strengthening of port capability and regional development. Second, conflict with the central government has a negative effect on the revitalization of port industry and strengthening of port capability. Third, the revitalization of port industry has a positive effect on the regional development. However, the linkage with port-related laws has shown insignificant results in revitalization of port industry, strengthening of port capability and regional development. Research implications or Originality - At a time when decentralization is becoming a reality, this study shows that revitalization of port industry, strengthening of port capability and regional development are possible with autonomous decision making of local government, and on the contrary, the study further suggests that the central government’s declining interest and budget conflicts should be minimized in order to promote the port industry and boost regional development.