Public Service Accountability Research Articles

Transformation of digital government services in the public sector in South Africa

Background: It is well-documented that the 21st century is providing digital technologies in an alarming rate. Their emergence promotes effectiveness, efficiency, accountability and transparency of public services and internal governance. This study was conducted within the government departments and state-owned agencies of South Africa.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the transformation of digital government services in the public sector in South Africa.Methods: This case study used qualitative approach where data were collected through semi-structured interviews from the national government departments and state-owned entities. The target population comprised information technology officers, investigators or analysts and administrative officers. Data collected were thematically analysed preceding the transcription of audio-recordings.Results: Some of the significant results of this study showed that the executives avoid playing their role to drive Information and communications technology (ICT) through Corporate ICT Strategy.Conclusion: Some of the challenges of adopting digital transformation are associated with low digital literacy, poor digital infrastructure, unreliable power supply, among others.Contribution: This study establishes that if the senior managers from ICT section become members of the executive committee, the government can have successful implementation of ICT projects without scepticism. This study also contributes to the awareness of considering digital literacy skills to support digital transformation.

Political trust and legitimacy crisis in the age of COVID-19: an assessment of the EndSARS protest in Nigeria

The article examined the manifestations of political trust deficits associated with people's response to policy choices of Nigeria's government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other states, the African states and particularly the Nigerian government adopted WHO-recommended containment measures to limit the spread of the virus and the associated catastrophe. These measures included lockdowns, shutdowns, social distancing, and personal hygiene among other preventive procedures. Even though the pandemic was relatively less endemic in Africa, as per official statistics, African states swiftly implemented the WHO containment measures, which impacted negatively on the livelihood of the average household, who depends on daily incomes for survival. The worsening living condition caused by the containment measures expectedly deepened resentment against governments in Africa with already poor records of public service delivery, accountability, transparency, and human rights. Nigeria was one of the African countries that experienced citizens' backlash and violent outrage against government policy choices during the COVID-19. Under the guise fighting police brutality, youths staged mass anti-government protests that transformed into large scale violence, particularly in the southern parts of the country otherwise known as the “EndSARS Protests.” The protests were conceived against police brutality in the enforcement of COVID-19 measures. This article examined the outbreak of EndSARS protests as a transformation of the deepening of political trust deficits in age of COVID-19. It adopted qualitative approach using documentary evidence such as newspaper reports and official documents as instruments of data collection. The Institutional Performance Theory guided the article. The theory assumes that the actual performance of government determines citizens' level of trust and confidence in public institutions. The article found that perennial government inefficiency, limited accountability and transparency as well as poor human rights records of the government and its agencies, particularly the police exacerbated an already existing political trust deficits amongst the people in Nigeria. This was manifested in the outburst of a large-scale violent outrage by the youths as protest to the government containment measures and widespread dysfunctional governmental institutions and particularly police brutality. The article concluded that building trust is particularly important for governments, as this can be achieved through output sense, the provision of public goods, or social support.

Public Service Accountability at the Youth Sports Service, Culture and Tourism of Majene Regency

The purpose of this research is to analyze the Accountability of public services in the Department of Youth Sports, Culture and Tourism of Majene Regency. The type of research used in this research is explanatory research. This research uses data collection techniques in the form of secondary literature studies with qualitative analysis techniques. The end result of this research is a description of the causal context or cause-effect relationship. The results of this research indicate that public service accountability is not yet optimal and needs to be improved in terms of visitor interview results and direct inspection of tourism sector facilities. The author found that tourist facilities such as places of worship, toilets and In addition, the consistency of levies set on each tourist attraction is not optimal, which differs from visitors, and there are still many waste scattered around tourist attractions, disrupting the comfort of visitors.

PENGARUH KESADARAN WP, PEMAHAMAN PERPAJAKAN, SANKSI PAJAK DAN AKUNTABILITAS PELAYANAN PUBLIK PADA KEPATUHAN WAJIB PAJAK

The largest source of state revenue is taxes. Tax is an effort made by the government to realize its independence. The role of taxes as state revenue is very dominant, but it is still not optimal considering the number of non-compliant taxpayers. This study aims to empirically examine the effect of taxpayer awareness, level of understanding of taxation, tax sanctions and public service accountability on the compliance of motorized vehicle taxpayers registered at the Badung Samsat Office. Accidental Sampling was used as a sampling method and obtained as many as 100 samples of motor vehicle taxpayers. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The results of this study indicate that taxpayer awareness, level of understanding of taxation, tax sanctions and public service accountability have a positive effect on motor vehicle taxpayer compliance at the Badung Samsat Office. It is hoped that the Badung Samsat Office can further increase information on the importance of paying motorized vehicle taxes through webinars or seminars as well as online platforms or direct practice with assistance such as short videos on motor vehicle taxes and sanctions given for late payments in order to gain knowledge of taxation early on.

DPR Now Application: Public Information Openness in the Digital Governance Era in Public Service Accountability and Responsibility Efforts in Indonesia

DPR Now Application: Public Information Openness in the Digital Governance Era in Public Service Accountability and Responsibility Efforts in Indonesia

KESADARAN WAJIB PAJAK, PENGETAHUAN PAJAK, SANKSI PERPAJAKAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KEPATUHAN WAJIB PAJAK KENDARAAN BERMOTOR

This research aims to examine taxpayer awareness, tax knowledge, tax sanctions and their influence on motor vehicle taxpayer compliance through public service accountability. This research was conducted in Blimbing District, Malang City. The sampling method in this research uses the Nonprobability sampling method using the Proportional sampling technique. Determination of the sample size was calculated using the Slovin formula using 100 samples. The analysis method uses descriptive statistical analysis and linear regression. This type of research is quantitative causality research and data analysis using SPSS. In testing the hypothesis model, we use a multiple linear regression test. The research results show that taxpayer awareness, tax knowledge, tax sanctions have no effect on motor vehicle taxpayer compliance.

Influence of governance indicators on public debt accumulation in Africa

PurposeThe unsustainable public debt of most African economies adversely affects their economic growth and stability. This study aims to explore the influence of cross-country indicators of governance from African countries on public debt accumulation.Design/methodology/approachThe study deployed a quantitative research design technique. Secondary data was used in this study. The frequency of the data is annual, and it is available from 1996 to 2022 for 48 countries in Africa. The study deployed the system generalized method of moments for the estimation.FindingsThe study finds that countries with high regulatory quality standards, control corruption and ensure effective governance accumulate less government debt while countries that abide by the rule of law instead accumulate more government debt. The study also finds that economic growth and government revenue reduce government gross debt while government expenditure and investments increase public debt.Research limitations/implicationsDue to data unavailability, other factors which are likely to influence government debt accumulation were not included in the study as control variables. This is the limitation of the study.Social implicationsAfrican governments should strive to maintain high regulatory quality standards through the formulation and implementation of sound policies and regulations that permit and promote private sector development, and ensure quality and accountability of public and civil services. Governments are also urged to control corruption and enact good laws so that the enforcement of these laws will not worsen the risk of becoming debt-distressed.Originality/valueRecent studies on governance and public debt were focused on the Arabian Gulf countries, countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and a combination of high and low-income countries. This study scrutinizes exclusively the effects of the quality of governance indicators on public debt accumulation, in the context of Africa.

PUBLIC SERVICE ACCOUNTABILITY IN MANAGING SURAT IZIN MENDIRIKAN BANGUNAN (S-IMB)

The implementation of public service accountability is guided by the Decree of the Minister of State Number 63 of 2003 concerning General Guidelines for the Implementation of Public Services through Transparency and Accountability of Public Service Delivery, which contains the importance of providing public services. Licensing services in Medan City can be carried out at the Medan City DPMPTSP, one of the licensing services is the administration of Surat Izin Mendirikan Bangunan (S-IMB). The permit is still not in accordance with the Service Standards, which is for a period of 30 working days. One Stop Service and Investment Service for Medan City. The research method used is descriptive research method with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques were carried out by means of interviews, observations, and documentation related to Surat Izin Mendirikan Bangunan (S-IMB). The data obtained were analyzed qualitatively by examining what had been collected using Sheila Elwood's Process Accountability theory which has the following indicators: Procedure, Cost, Timeframe and Responsiveness at the Medan City Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office, it has been running quite well but not yet optimal. There were several obstacles, such as permits not being completed on time, due to the lack of files from applications that were not submitted simultaneously to the officer. So that the incoming file must be returned to the applicant to complete the file and it takes a long time to complete the lack of files.

E-Government As A Form Of Smart Governance Implementation At Bandung Smart City

An innovative step in achieving the total realization of E-government is not only carried out through generating an idea and mutual agreement between government institutions in the city of Bandung. The government must also pay careful attention to the factors that underlie the government's actions. Apart from fulfilling digital services based on information technology, the government must also be able to predict what will later cause the gap between public needs and the reality that occurs during the process—implementation of E-Government for the Bandung Smart City program. Through a literature study approach, this research focuses on theoretical development and by collecting secondary data, the results of the research have shown that the Bandung City Government has continuously attempted to optimize E-Government by strengthening regulations and continuous evaluation, which in turn will optimize the accountability of public services based on information technology in each area in the city of Bandung and also maximize the implementation of the Bandung Smart City concept by minimizing community gaps in each area in the city implementation of the Bandung Smart City concept by minimizing community gaps in each area in the city.

E-governance as a new public administration paradigm: a rhetoric or reality?

This study was motivated by the need to shift from the illusory perception of longing for e-Governance to be declared a new paradigm of Public Administration. Public Administration is said to be static, but yet dynamic. Implying that the dynamics of Public Administration can incorporate electronic governance (e-Governance) to improve matters of governance, public service delivery, accountability and transparency in public affairs. However, even with an incongruous adoption and implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the South African government, this study shed light on the empirical and systematic evidence and analytical distinction between e-Governance and public administration. The analysis suggests that the complexity and implication of e-Governance via the use of ICTs may enhance government efficacy. Still, it cannot be entirely trusted in maintaining administration and government-businesses-citizens interaction partly due to its rapid technological changes and the various conditions of its implementation within different nations including South Africa. With the aid of qualitative research methods, which heavily relied on secondary data gathered from scholarly journals, academic books, trusted databases and websites, this study reveal that there is scant evidence to support research in incorporating e-Governance as a new paradigm of Public Administration due to the imbalance, network failures, inadequate ICTs infrastructure to govern in a democratic manner which include all citizens. This study concludes that e-Governance is already analysed from a public administration dynamic and complementary perspective implying that it is an analytically and structurally incomplete reform to take its full form as a new Public Administration paradigm due to its rapid technological changes.

Evaluation of E-Government Services in Jayawijaya Regency Post Expansion of the Papua Pegunungan Province Using the UTAUT Model

In the era of economic, political, and technological globalization, the importance of Good Government and Clean Government encourages the Indonesian Government to implement information and communication technology. The aim is to increase effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public services and government business processes. The e-government concept includes the relationship between government and government (G2G), government and business (G2B), government and ASN (G2E), and government and society (G2C). Websites are a crucial component in e-government, providing information accessibility and increasing openness. This research aims to evaluate the quality of the Jayawijaya Regency Government Website. In this research, a purposive sampling technique was used. This research used 100 samples or respondents. Data analysis in this research was carried out using descriptive analysis methods of averages and percentages. The approach applied is the UTAUT method (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. UTAUT is formed by three main factors, condition of work facilities, impact of information technology systems, and service user request. The variables CWF, IITS, and SUR simultaneously influence the variables EC, and ( 2) the dependent variable UB is simultaneously influenced by the EC variable. The CWF variable partially and significantly influences the EC variable. (2) the IITS variable partially and significantly influences the EC variable (3) the SUR variable partially and significantly influences the EC variable. The independent variable influences EC is 47.1% while the independent variable EC influences UB by 55.3%.

Analysing Legal Challenges of Bangladesh Police for Achieving Polycentric Security Governance (PSG)

To manage the ‘common-pool resources,’ the concept of the ‘polycentric governance’ was adopted; now emerging as one of the most popular and effective governance systems for ensuring proper utility and accountability of public goods and services. A few years ago, Bangladesh Police introduced 'Community Policing' and recently initiated 'Beat Policing' to enhance public relations and easy access to police services. These initiatives resemble a 'Plural Community' polycentric governance approach, but the lack of legal basis makes it questionable. Therefore, this research aims to determine what legal challenges may arise when introducing polycentric security governance based on the existing laws of the Bangladesh Police. Through this qualitative research, an attempt has been made to find out the existing legal challenges of the Bangladesh Police by analyzing the Police Act-1861, Police Regulations of Bengal (PRB), and 8 (Eight) Metropolitan Police Acts. The results of this research show that achieving polycentric security governance is not possible through the existing laws in several areas, which will emerge as challenges in implementation. To avoid such legal hurdles, it is necessary to amend, modify, and update those laws. For this reason, some recommendations have been added for eliminating the existing legal challenges and setting directions for further research at the end.

Optimalisasi Pembentukan Desa Anti Korupsi Desa Senduro Kabupaten Lumajang Jawa Timur

Anti-corruption village is a program that aims to create a village that is free from corruption. Community service was carried out in Senduro Lumajang Village, East Java Province. Senduro Village is a village with unique culture and traditions, such as Javanese customs and the unique customs of the Tengger Tribe. Senduro Village has attractive tourism potential, such as Tancak Waterfall, Banyu Anjlok Waterfall, and Coban Rondo Senduro Waterfall. The potential of the village provides a lot of income for Senduro village so the management of natural resource products must be monitored so that their utilization is for the welfare of the people and not for corruption. Therefore this community service aims to prevent acts of corruption within the Senduro village government and promote transparency, accountability, community participation, and integrity in financial management and public services. The results of this activity have an impact on increasing knowledge of corruption actions to become an anti-corruption village. In the future, it is suggested that more routine related pieces of training be carried out in maintaining an anti-corruption village because these activities have a significant impact on building an independent and integrated village.

Accountability of Building Approval Services in Gowa District

This research aims to find out 1) the accountability of building approval administration services and 2) the determinant factors in the accountability of building approval services. The research used a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data sources used primary data through observation and interview instruments and secondary data through reviewing various documents. The data analysis technique uses an interactive model: data collection, condensation, data presentation, and verification/conclusion. The results of this study show 1) Public service accountability for Building Approval in the one-stop integrated investment and service office in Gowa Regency is considered not to have gone well because there are still employees who do not follow procedures in providing PBG management services to applicants and there is no clarity of information and costs displayed on the SIMPG website page or contained in each DPMPTSP agency and the Gowa PUPR Office, and 2) Determinant factors in Building Approval services in Gowa Regency are considered less acute due to the presence of employee resource factors in quantity and quality that have not yet marked and communication factors that do not run optimally.

Tackling corruption in the distribution of Covid-19 palliatives and public health facilities in Nigeria: legal insights and strategic blueprint for future emergencies

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the corruption prevalent in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives during the lockdown and movement restrictions in the country. This study seeks to analyse the current state of corruption in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives and public health facilities in Nigeria while also providing a legal insight and strategic blueprint to combat corruption. To this end, this study will address the current legal framework for combating corruption and build upon this to formulate a working strategy for tackling corruption in the future.Design/methodology/approachUsing a doctrinal legal research methodology, this study draws upon existing literature, tertiary data sources and information from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The collected data is analysed and compared with current literature to identify key findings. Rent-seeking and utilitarian theories of the law were examined to guide this study. This study offers useful insights into combating corruption. The use of this method is justified, as it enhances the credibility of the findings on the importance of strategies for future emergencies. This legal research approach is consistent with the law and can be easily verified. The empirical aspect of this study involved a survey of multidimensional health-care and economic data set of 36 states in Nigeria plus the Federal Capital Territory on COVID-19 in Nigeria. A survey linearised regression model was estimated to determine the influence of government revenue and public health-care facilities in the control of the virus spread in Nigeria.FindingsThis study reveals the need for emphasis on the imperative of combating corruption in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives and establishing economic resilience through transparent and accountable practices, supported by legal frameworks.Research limitations/implicationsRent-seeking and utilitarian theories of law are evaluated because of their impacts on combating corruption. The limitation of this study is the intricacy of gathering data on COVID-19 palliatives corruption in Nigeria because of secrecy and the absence of reliable data on the subject.Practical implicationsEstimating the exact number of stolen palliatives and their fiscal impact on Nigeria's economy proves to be a formidable task because of the covert nature of corruption. This study equips policymakers in Nigeria with a better understanding of the legal challenges posed by corruption in the health care sector and provides an effective strategy to combat it.Social implicationsThe lack of reliable data on the extent of palliative theft hinders the ability of lawmakers to enact effective legislation and strategies for combating corruption in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives and addressing future emergencies in Nigeria. The policy implications of this study can assist policymakers in Nigeria and other countries in formulating measures to combat corruption in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives and other future emergencies. Furthermore, it recommends the overhaul of anti-corruption laws and mechanisms in Nigeria to ensure effective measures against corruption.Originality/valueIn conclusion, this study contributes to knowledge by proposing a legal model centred on people's participation to enhance transparency and accountability in future palliative distribution processes. This study recommends legal strategies that can effectively address corruption in future emergencies or shocks. This study proposes a strategic blueprint to tackle corruption in the future. This blueprint includes an analysis of existing laws and regulations, as well as potential policy changes and legislative reform. This study also includes recommendations for improved enforcement and oversight mechanisms and for improved public awareness and education. As part of this, this study considers the potential for public–private partnerships to increase transparency and accountability in public health and health-care services.

AKUNTABILITAS PROSES PELAYANAN PERSETUJUAN BANGUNAN GEDUNG (PBG) DI DINAS PENANAMAN MODAL DAN PELAYANAN TERPADU SATU PINTU KABUPATEN GOWA

This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach that aims to produce a strategy of the accountability for building approval services at the Gowa Regency. Informant selection was carried out by purposive sampling technique and data collection were used interview, observation, and documentation technique. The data analysis in this research was used the Miles and Huberman interactive models. The results of this study indicate that the process of public service accountability for Building Approvals at DPMPTSP Gowa Regency is considered not to be going well because there are still employees who do not follow procedures in providing PBG management services to applicants and there is no clarity of information and costs that are clearly displayed both on the SIMBG website page and those contained in the respective DPMPTSP agencies and the Gowa PUPR Service.

AKUNTABILITAS PROSES PELAYANAN PERSETUJUAN BANGUNAN GEDUNG (PBG) DI DINAS PENANAMAN MODAL DAN PELAYANAN TERPADU SATU PINTU KABUPATEN GOWA

This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach that aims to produce a strategy of the accountability for building approval services at the Gowa Regency. Informant selection was carried out by purposive sampling technique and data collection were used interview, observation, and documentation technique. The data analysis in this research was used the Miles and Huberman interactive models. The results of this study indicate that the process of public service accountability for Building Approvals at DPMPTSP Gowa Regency is considered not to be going well because there are still employees who do not follow procedures in providing PBG management services to applicants and there is no clarity of information and costs that are clearly displayed both on the SIMBG website page and those contained in the respective DPMPTSP agencies and the Gowa PUPR Service.

The COVID-19 response and accountability in South Africa.

South Africa is a country that has undergone massive societal changes in the last 30 years. At the time coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) struck, the country was still facing challenges in terms of inequality and the disaster vulnerability of its population. During COVID-19, the provision of lifesaving personal protective equipment and other resources was marred by corruption and failings of the governmental officials. At the same time, the complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic required operational changes in the public health and disaster risk management systems. This study provides an overview of the public service accountability legislation and framework. Flexibility of the disaster management structures at the local government level and flexible information sharing as well as cooperation of all relevant stakeholders are critical for efficient management of the coronavirus pandemic and the maintenance of accountability in that space. Those experiences are captured at local and district municipality levels in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Best practices and lessons should be taken forward and identified.

NEW PUBLIC SERVICE PARADIGM IN FISIP INSTITUTION OF MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY JAKARTA

This research is to find out alternative strategies for improving the quality of institutional services for lecturers and education staff at FISIP Muhammadiyah University Jakarta with the principle of New Public Service in institutional services for lecturers and education staff. The background of public service literature is fundamentally humanistic (citizens do not serve customers), where the public interest (seeking the public interest) and accountability for the Implementation of New Public Services are prioritized on the principle of being able to increase the synergy of public services and the responsiveness of public service organizations to the needs of lecturers and education staff in FISIP Muhammadiyah University Jakarta, applying the citizen model does not serve customers, strives for public interest and public service accountability as part of the New Public Service principle as an alternative to improving the quality of public services. The service process for FISIP lecturers and education staff at the University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta is a process of interdependence between the actors involved and bargaining occurs between actors.

The Electronic Government Policy-Based Green Constitution Towards Good Governance

In fact, e-government policy in Indonesia has not yet finished discussing regulations and implementations in government institutions. E-government policies are still regulated at the institutional field specifically or still at the respective regional governments. The nature of the policy is still partial so that there is no structural regulation as a rigid policy implementer that regulates the implementation of e-government in Indonesia. However, the implementation of e-government that uses technology, information and communication equipment will have a negative impact on environmental sustainability, one of them is an increase e-waste from the government sector. This research uses normative legal analysis to find legal facts and formulate a green constitution-based electronic government policy model to realize efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of governance and public services towards good governance. This research proves the urgency of implementing regulations as an innovation model for e-government policies based on a green constitution to ensure the reduction of e-waste in Indonesia using green ICT. Therefore, it is important to develop guiding regulations which are Government Regulation for the implementation of e-government in both the central and regional government bureaucracies.