The Measurement Model of Professional Operation of State Administration

Janez Stare,Marjan Brezovšek,Milan Rman

doi:10.17573/cepar.2020.2.02

Janez Stare, Marjan Brezovšek + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.17573/cepar.2020.2.02

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Abstract

This paper presents the study of a measurement model of professional operation of state administration. From the perspective of reliable performance of state functions, the professional operation of state administration represents one of the goals of social change. Based on theoretical-analytical findings, a measurement model of professional operation of state administration was designed. It consists of three dimensions, namely: reliability of state administration, professionalisation of the administrative profession, and competence of employees. The reliability dimension is represented by the element of legality and economic efficiency, the profession dimension is based on power, autonomy, knowledge and responsibility, and the competence dimension includes elements of leadership and ethics. The measurement model was tested in the Slovenian state administration. The results of the research confirm the connection between the three aforementioned dimensions of professional operation of state administration and, consequently, the validity of the designed model.

Highlights

State administration encounters the same problems in all types of democracies: how to provide competent, effective, legitimate, responsible, responsive, professional and just public service
The article discusses the model of professional operation of state administration
The check of the latent variable “reliability”, which represents one of the three constructs of the measurement model of professional administration operation shows that the respondents confirmed high values of agreement with variables, which describe the existence of an adequate systematic legislative framework for the operation of reliable administration

Summary

Introduction

State administration encounters the same problems in all types of democracies: how to provide competent, effective, legitimate, responsible, responsive, professional and just public service. The two great questions about state administration in democracy are connected with legitimacy and effectiveness, which includes professionalism. Both questions are connected to the concept of reliable administration (Hood, 1991; Brezovšek 2000; Toonen, 2005). Administrative reliability is well grounded on the quality of administrative reign 1–5) in connection with professionalism (as a one of the core values of public (state) administration) expose accountability, transparency, coordination of works, implementing legislation, advocacy, responsiveness, competence and conduct, ethics and bureaucratic behaviour, law implementation, professional autonomy, Administrative reliability is well grounded on the quality of administrative reign (Leftwich, 1993, p. 614) and ensures the legitimacy of the regime, its stability and credibility. Sarker (2019, pp. 1–5) in connection with professionalism (as a one of the core values of public (state) administration) expose accountability, transparency, coordination of works, implementing legislation, advocacy, responsiveness, competence and conduct, ethics and bureaucratic behaviour, law implementation, professional autonomy,

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