Active Participation In Decision Research Articles

Public’s Visual Preferences Survey Facilitates Community-Based Design and Color Standards Creation

According to research, there is a disparity in the aesthetic design preferences of the public and architects. This is especially noticeable in urban areas environments, where there is a wide range of demographic variables and a lack of active public involvement in decision-making. The study included a visual preference survey to evaluate the perception and ranking of two dominant color schemes in local development projects in Stockholm across different age, ethnicity, and gender groups from Sweden. Over 400 people participated in the survey, which used photo-elicitation and a literature review. The objective was to determine the extent of divergence and disparities in the ranking of color schemes. The first dominant color schemes are a group of four analogous colors related to the Natural Color System’s (NSC’s) basic colors. The second is a group of four neutral colors that are related to grayscale colors. The study demonstrates that one could also measure building color schemes using visual preference ranking. Moreover, the research introduced a unique method for city planners to understand diverse ethnic, gender, and age group perceptions of color schemes in current projects, promoting active participation in decision-making and providing valuable insights. These insights can enhance people’s sense of belonging, a prerequisite for social sustainability, and improve the quality and profitability of future projects.

Perception of Caregiver on Physical Therapy Management for Pediatric Burn Patients

Background: Burn injuries are among the most severe types of child injuries, leading to significant functional, social, and psychological disabilities. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of pediatric burn patients, and caregivers are essential in facilitating the treatment process. Understanding caregivers' perceptions and adherence to physiotherapy treatment can inform better care strategies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the perceptions of caregivers towards physiotherapy treatment for pediatric burn patients and to evaluate adherence to prescribed exercise regimens. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to December 2023. Data were collected from caregivers at two public hospitals and one private rehabilitation center using a non-probability convenience sampling method. The sample included 53 caregivers of children aged 1-5 years with burn injuries covering more than 20% of their total body surface area and who had been undergoing physiotherapy for 3-4 weeks. Exclusion criteria were caregivers not actively involved in daily care, those unable to communicate in English or Urdu, and patients without a caregiver. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire based on the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC). The questionnaire was validated and had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.703. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics presented as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: Among the caregivers, 64.2% were mothers, 15.1% were fathers, and 20.8% were other relatives. A total of 81.1% of caregivers agreed and 18.9% strongly agreed that the physiotherapist encouraged active participation in decision-making. Comfort in discussing concerns was reported by 69.3% agreeing and 18.9% strongly agreeing. Emotional and social aspects were adequately addressed according to 39.6% of caregivers, with 41.5% neutral and 15.5% disagreeing. Clear communication of treatment plans was reported by 75.5% agreeing and 24.5% neutral. Adherence to exercise routines varied, with 47.2% often, 32.1% always, and 20.8% sometimes helping with exercises. However, 39.6% reported that the child always refused to do exercises, and 64.2% noted the child always complained of pain during therapy. Conclusion: The study concluded that caregivers generally have a positive perception of physiotherapy for pediatric burn patients and actively participate in their care. Challenges such as pain during exercises and time constraints highlight the need for enhanced support and communication to improve adherence and outcomes.

ANALISA PROJECT LIFE CYCLE PEMBANGUNAN KAWASAN WISATA PUSAT KEBUDAYAAN BALI DI KLUNGKUNG

The Bali Cultural Center (PKB) Tourist Area in Klungkung is the focus of analysis in this article, which traces each stage of project development from conception to implementation. The planning phase is emphasized as an important foundation, where the vision of sustainability and cultural sustainability is deeply understood and integrated. Community involvement is a key element in maintaining the sustainability of this project, with active participation in decision making and project implementation. Local economic empowerment programs and the promotion of cultural activities are important points in strengthening the relationship between development and cultural preservation. Tourism impact management is a significant challenge, and this project creates a new paradigm by combining sustainability and culture as the main foundation. Sustainability strategies in managing the number of tourists and environmental preservation are priorities in maintaining cultural authenticity and environmental sustainability. Project life cycle analysis highlights the importance of innovation and adaptation to the latest technology in advancing tourism destinations. Through lessons learned from this project, this article offers in-depth insight into the importance of sustainability and culture in the development of tourism destinations, not only in Bali, but also throughout the world.

Leadership Model in the Management of Public Service Agency State University

The aim of this research is to describe the leadership model in managing the Public Service Agency and the factors that hinder and support leadership in the management of the Public Service Agency at Universitas Negeri Manado (Unima). This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach, in the form of research with a case study method or approach (Case Study) with 5 research subjects. The research results show that the leadership model used in managing the status of Public Service Agency State Universities is the Mapalus leadership model. The name Mapalus is used based on similarities with Unima's vision, namely Superior and Innovative Unima based on Mapalus. The mapalus leadership model is a leadership approach that prioritizes collaboration, open communication, and synergy between leaders and team members. In this model, leaders not only command from above, but also work together with team members to achieve common goals. Leaders with this leadership model build strong relationships with team members, understand their needs and potential, empower them to achieve optimal performance, and encourage active participation in decision making and create a positive and inclusive work environment. Factors that hinder leadership in managing the Public Service Agency at Unima include resistance of team members and staff to change, lack of understanding of the implications of change, uncertainty regarding changes in status, lack of support from stakeholders, resistance to existing organizational culture and lack of resources or facilities. adequate. On the other hand, factors that support leadership include open and effective communication, understanding a clear vision, involving team members and stakeholders in planning and implementation, organizational culture that supports collaboration and innovation, developing new leadership skills through training and collaboration, ensuring decisions and actions reflecting stakeholder expectations and needs, support from internal and external parties, evaluating the impact of policies and decisions through collecting feedback and analyzing performance data, effective communication in overcoming resistance to change and constructive conflict management.

Ambiguity in NGOs Poverty Reduction Programmes

Purpose: This article analyses why Non-Governmental Organisations in the selected regions of Cameroon continue to participate in poverty reduction programmes when their programmes are not decreasing the number or percentage of people living in poverty.
 Methodology: Sustainable Livelihood Approaches was used in the study as an efficient means of understanding poverty from the perspective of the underprivileged. A qualitative case study was used to understand Plan International and Summer Institute of Linguistics stakeholder’s perception of poverty and poverty reduction. 
 Findings: Based on the findings, results show that poverty and poverty reduction strategies mean different things to different people, hence programmes aimed at poverty reduction should be examined using a diverse measure. The studied Non-Governmental Organisations programmes are not reducing poverty because there are extraneous variables which account for the ineffectiveness in their determination to fight poverty. For example, lack of beneficiaries’ voices in Non-Governmental Organisations programmes during planning, implementation, monitoring and evolution. Gender role and power relation issues in these regions prevent beneficiaries from active participation in decision making. These factors account for poor prioritization of programmes. Additionally, attributing poverty reduction to Non-Governmental Organisations activities is something which the Non-Governmental Organisations themselves are conscious they can’t fully achieve. 
 Unique Contributions to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper recommends that Non-Governmental Organisations as well as the government should start their poverty reduction programmes by assessing the needs of each community in which they operate by applying the Sustainable Livelihood Approaches since poverty is diverse and means different things to different people.

Personnel perceptions of a positive practice environment in public nursing education institutions in South Africa: A descriptive qualitative study

BackgroundWhile much is known about aspects of the practice environment and its influence on staff outcomes and quality of education, less is known about creating positive practice environments in public nursing education institutions, especially in developing countries. AimTo describe the perceptions of the personnel of a public nursing education institution identified as having the most positive practice environment and nurse educator outcomes. DesignA qualitative descriptive research design was used. MethodsAll-inclusive voluntary sampling was applied at one public nursing education institution in the Gauteng Province with the principal, vice-principal, heads of departments (N = 11; n = 6), nurse educators (N = 93; n = 17), and administrative staff (N = 42; n = 11). Semi-structured individual and focus group interviews were conducted and inductive thematic analysis was used. Data was collected from November 2019 until March 2020. ResultsPersonnel indicated interpersonal relationships, effective communication and enhancing team dynamics as the main theme of the study, with seven specific sub-themes as raised by managers, nurse educators and administrative staff. ConclusionInterpersonal relationships, communication and enhancing team dynamics is the main drive for a positive practice environment. The most significant responsibility in creating such an environment is the managers' ability to lead and support personnel. In addition to intentionally fostering collegial and collaborative relationships, managers need to be approachable. In addition to upholding fundamental human rights values and fostering active participation in decision-making, managers should exercise sensitive leadership. and encourage staff wellness support measures. Twitter abstractInterpersonal relationships, effective communication and enhancing team dynamics are the most crucial tactics for promoting positive practice environments at public nursing education institutions in a province of South Africa.

Perspectives on Nurse Retention in Hospitals in the Netherlands: A Qualitative Study

Aim. To explore hospital nurses’ perceptions of working conditions that affect their retention and to identify preconditions for retention across nursing subgroups and informants directly involved in the work that nurses do. Introduction. Understanding why nurses want to stay in their job is essential for hospitals to improve retention and develop policies to combat nursing shortages. Retention barriers are known, but mostly pre-COVID-19 and in specific nursing subgroups, while nursing teams are diverse in life phase, education, and expertise. Materials and Methods. A qualitative study with semistructured focus group interviews with nurses from different hospitals. We held interviews with nursing students and with newly graduated, experienced, specialized, and master-educated nurses. In addition, we held interviews with informants directly involved in the work that nurses do. Results. Three themes concerning the perceptions of working conditions and retention preconditions were identified among subgroups: (1) nurses finding their personal pathway, indicating work that fits individual challenges during the life course and work that matches personal motives and authority and control over professional practice; (2) constructive collaboration within the nursing team and with their manager and physicians; and (3) availability of supportive facilities, e.g., development, professionalization, working environment, and rewards. Conclusion. Elements for retention occur at individual, team, and organizational levels. Nurses find it important that their profession aligns with their personal pathway and are motivated by constructive collaboration in a stimulating team. They emphasized organizational support in realizing career tracks and in active participation in decision-making. These themes are consistent across subgroups and encompass multiple interacting elements. Implications for Nursing Management. By recognizing and understanding what takes place at these different levels, policymakers and managers can develop effective strategies to promote nurse retention and improve healthcare quality. While implementing and monitoring a broad retention program, managers must remain attentive to nurses’ perceptions of retention preconditions amidst changing demographics and the impact of COVID-19.

Perlindungan Hukum Pada Konservasi Lahan Pertanian Yang Berbasis Keadilan Sosial Di Kabupaten Bolaang Mongondow

This research aims to determine legal protection for agricultural land conservation in Bolaang Mongondow Regency based on social justice and to determine the implementation of Law Number 41 of 2009 concerning Sustainable Food Agricultural Land Protection regarding Agricultural Land Conservation in Bolaang Mongondow Regency. This research method uses empirical legal research methods.The results of the research that legal protection for agricultural land conservation in Bolaang Mongondow Regency based on social justice requires special attention. That farmers in the area have limited knowledge about agricultural land protection laws, which creates uncertainty in dealing with changes in land use and threats to the sustainability of agricultural land. Farmers' concerns about changes in land use illustrate the need to increase legal awareness and education among them. This increase in knowledge not only involves rights and obligations related to agricultural land, but also understanding the importance of active participation in decision making regarding agricultural land. Implementation of Law Number 41 of 2009 concerning Protection of Sustainable Food Agricultural Land, there are findings that although this law sets clear requirements for the transfer of agricultural land, practices in the field still indicate a threat to the sustainability of agricultural land. The need for active involvement of local governments in preventing practices that are detrimental to farmers and threaten the sustainability of agricultural land needs to be increased. Protection of farmers' rights, agricultural sustainability and social justice must be the main focus in ensuring that the implementation of the law achieves the desired objectives. Evaluation of cooperation between factories, local governments and farmers is also important to ensure balance and fairness in the distribution of economic benefits and legal protection.

Informational support and information-seeking during transition to parenthood: Baby Buddy Forward's focus groups with pregnant women and new mothers in Cyprus.

Relevant and accurate information during the transition to parenthood is vital for active participation in decision-making. The aim of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of informational support and information-seeking practices among women in Cyprus during the transition to parenthood with a focus on the use of the internet and informed decision making. Qualitative descriptive exploratory design of 12 focus groups with 64 participants representing different language-cultural groups served by the Baby Buddy Cyprus app. A topic guide covering expectations, experiences and practices guided the discussions. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Seven themes and several subthemes emerged. In an 'unsupportive system', 'void' of informational support, pregnant women strive to have a 'confident voice'. They find themselves 'self-navigating in parallel worlds' of formal and informal information, where the internet holds a prominent place. 'Supplementing and filtering', instinctively and selectively, results in a state of 'doubt and faith' towards the trustworthiness of the information but also healthcare providers. Effective communication with providers is needed to break the cycle, but seems dependent on the self-efficacy of the women themselves ('art of communication'). Women 'deconstruct and reimagine' their experiences, often assigning responsibility on themselves for not having been better prepared. Women want control over decisions affecting their pregnancy. While the internet is a prevalent source of information, they value communication with healthcare providers and want direction. A shift is needed from current practices of unguided information-searching. Maternity healthcare professionals need to recognize this phenomenon, offer appropriate guidance, and support active participation in informed decision-making.

Humic Acid Aplication in Catfish Farming Using Bucket System in Muncul Fish Farm, Banyuwangi, Indonesia

In Banyuwangi, Indonesia, where the vast potential of natural resources remains largely untapped optimally, the community partnership program (CPP) was introduced to enhance freshwater fish production, with a specific focus on catfish farming in the Muncul fish farm. The region's catfish production, the largest among consumer fish commodities, had been hampered by traditional and semi-intensive methods, limited facilities, disease risks, and uncertain market conditions. To address these challenges, the CPP employed a participatory approach, fostering a close relationship between the community development team and partner groups. Through scientific problem-solving discussions, valuable input from partners, and active participation in decision-making, catfish farmers were empowered. The central innovation of applying humic acid in a bucket fish farming system significantly improved catfish productivity and profitability. As a result, partners gained knowledge and skills in intensive bucket fish farming, substantially increasing their productivity and income. To further expand the benefits of this program, promoting urban farming concepts, especially the bucket fish farming system, should be encouraged to engage more individuals with limited space in small-scale aquaculture for food security and income generation.

Does healthcare consumerism serve as a barrier or facilitator to the implementation of value-based primary care? Strategies to promote synergy and success.

Value in health care is described as the measured improvement in a patient's health outcomes for the cost of achieving that improvement. In the United States, value-based care has been heralded by providers, payers, and policymakers alike, as a path to addressing the challenges facing the healthcare system and achieving the aspirational goals of the Quadruple Aim of healthcare. Primary care is often viewed as the foundational cornerstone for implementing value-based care. However, primary care is also considered as ground-zero for the rise in healthcare consumerism. In essence, consumerism refers to increasing expectations from patients (consumers) to be more active participants in decisions related to their healthcare. While much of the literature has portrayed the rise in consumerism as a barrier to the implementation of value-based primary care, some have argued that it may have potential to synergize with and facilitate the implementation of value-based primary care. This paper applies an enhanced stepwise implementation framework for value-based (equitable) care, to examine the potential for conflict and synergy between consumerism and value-based care in the emerging retail model of primary care. The application is based on the potential actions of four key stakeholder groups: (1) retail healthcare entities, (2) primary-care providers, (3) consumers (patients), and (4) healthcare payers. The analysis helps to articulate the responsibilities of each stakeholder group in ensuring synergy between consumerism and value-based primary care. In addition, it helps to identify three drivers of synergy between consumerism and value-based care: (1) trust in the patient-provider relationship, (2) connected consumer-centric technology solutions, and (3) value-based consumer-centric payment models. Overall, the application helps to articulate a comprehensive framework for implementing value-based care that incorporates both the principles of consumerism and active consideration for health equity.

Ambivalence in digital social work: giving advice about welfare-to-work programmes to unemployed clients

ABSTRACT In contemporary welfare systems, employability-oriented approaches and welfare-to-work (WtW) programmes place activation and client responsibility at the heart of social services. WtW is a frequently discussed topic in frontline workers’ interaction with unemployed clients; however, it also represents a source of ambivalence. With the increased digitalization of social work, counselling related to WtW often take place on digital platforms instead of face-to-face meetings. This study examines written interaction between counsellors and unemployed clients and analyses sequences in which the counsellors present WtW-related advice. A discourse analytic approach was adopted, focusing on the sequential design and framing of the advice. Three recurring advice-giving formats were identified: information as advice, interrogative advice, and assessment as advice. The three formats differ sequentially, in terms of normative pressure to respond and comply, but generally approach the topic of WtW participation cautiously and frame the decision as clients’ autonomous choice, frequently presupposing a high level of institutional knowledge. Clients tend to be reluctant to respond to WTW advice, which impedes counsellors’ ability to tailor the advice. The advice-giving sequences are short with few message turns, limiting the shared exploration of alternatives and potentially clients’ active participation in decision-making. The study sheds light on the interactional challenges of addressing the potentially ambivalent topic of WtW in a digital counselling context but also raises questions regarding the realization of welfare policies through digital frontline work.

IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY CONTROL IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN MTsN 1 PESAWARAN

The implementation of quality control in the professional development of teachers is a very important need. Through quality control, schools can adopt a structured and systematic approach to improving teacher professionalism. In relation to MTsN 1 Pesawaran, this study aimed to analyze quality control practices in the development of teacher professionalism in MTsN 1 Pesawaran. The research method used is a qualitative approach using interviews and observations as data collection tools. Study participants included teachers and school administrators. Collected data were analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques through data reduction, data presentation and data validation. Research results show that quality control practices play an important role in improving teacher professional development. Factors that influence faculty engagement and engagement in implementation include effective communication, planned professional and developmental development, and active participation in decision-making. With increased teacher involvement, the quality of education at MTsN 1 Pesawalan improved. The survey recommends that school leaders pay attention to the importance of establishing effective communication with teachers, organizing planned training, and involving teachers in decision-making about quality control. increase. In summary, the introduction of quality control can be an effective strategy to foster teacher professionalism and improve the quality of teaching at MTsN 1 Pesawaran.

Women's participation in decision‐making: Analysis of Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data 2017–2018

AbstractGender‐based inequities prevent women from partaking in decision‐making. This study is a secondary analysis of the 2017–2018 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data. We examined women's participation in no‐decisions against a set of independent variables to determine the factors associated with not participating in any decisions. The adjusted multivariable logistic regression revealed that women, aged 15–19, with no children, living in larger households, not employed for cash, agreed with at least one reason for husband's beating their wives and were not exposed to print media, were significantly less likely to be involved in any household decisions. This study sheds light on ways to promote women's active participation in decisions and to identify programme‐modifiable indicators for future research.

Local People's View on Tourism in Context of Sustainable Tourism Principles: An Importance-Performance Analysis

Considering their central role as stakeholders at destination, local people’s views and active participation in decision-making and implementation processes are important for the sustainability of tourism activities in the area. Therefore, it is of great importance to determine the local people’s attitudes towards sustainable tourism and development. Goal of the current study is to reveal the importance and perceived performance of the local people towards sustainable tourism, in line with the sustainable tourism principles determined by the World Tourism Organization. In order to examine importance that local people give to these principles and perceived performance of their application, Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) method was applied. Data was collected from 389 locals in Demre District of Antalya city in Turkey with the survey technique. According to the findings of IPA, local people reported high levels of importance to all sustainable tourism principles. On the other hand, perceived performance of local people towards application of all the principles, except “protection of biological diversity”, shows low levels. Unique contribution of the current study is in providing the perspective on how local people evaluate sustainable tourism principles and emphasizes the awareness of important and perceived performance differences when it comes to sustainable tourism.

NURSES’ CONCEPTIONS OF OLDER PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN COORDINATED DISCHARGE CARE PLANNING

The discharge care planning (DCP) from hospital to home care is a complex and challenging assignment. Patient participation includes their access to health care, their rights to safe care, information about risks and benefits of treatment and the right to complain. The aim of the study was to explore nurses’ conceptions of older people’s participation in DCP and to identify the structure of awareness underlying the nurses’ varying experiences of participation. Fifteen registered nurses were interviewed. A phenomenographic analysis described by Åkerlind was used. The analysis revealed five categories of description showing different ways of experiencing older people’s participation in DCP. Four themes of Expanding awareness were identified as; Taking on the role of patient advocacy; Ethical responsibilities to protect older people’s self-esteem; Being restricted in what to communicate and perform and Necessity to conspire in defending active participation. The outcome space showed nurses’ conceptions to be that older people’s participation is prerequisite and it needs to be well founded. It also showed that nurses understood and took on ethical responsibilities to protect older people’s self-esteem. Our findings have outlined the complexity in the process of discharge planning, and consider the older patients’ active participation in decisions. Nurses have a key role in supporting older people and their family members in the process.

Gestational diabetes screening from the perspective of consumers: Insights from early in the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunities to optimise experiences.

Consumer perspectives are a cornerstone of value-based healthcare. Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were among many of the rapid changes to health care recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes provided a unique opportunity to add information about women's perspectives on the debate on GDM screening. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore women's perspectives and understanding of GDM screening and diagnosis comparing the modified COVID-19 recommendations to standard GDM screening and diagnostic practices. Women who had experienced both the standard and modified GDM screening and diagnostic processes were recruited for telephone interviews. Data analysis used inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Online surveys were disseminated to any registrant not included in interviews to provide an opportunity for all interested participants to provide their perspective. Twenty-nine telephone interviews were conducted and 19 survey responses were received. Seven themes were determined: (1) information provision from clinicians; (2) acceptability of GDM screening; (3) individualisation of GDM screening methods; (4) safety nets to avoid a missed diagnosis; (5) informed decision making; (6) women want information and evidence; and (7) preferred GDM screening methods for the future. Overall, women preferred the modified GDM screening recommendations put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their preference was influenced by their prior screening experience and perception of personal risk profile. Women expressed a strong need for clear communication from health professionals and the opportunity to be active participants in decision making.

Just-In-Time Strategy Implementation Challenges and The Organizational Structure Dimensions

The implementation of the Just-in-Time (JIT) strategy will be successful only if each individual in the organization is maximally involved and committed to independent work tasks, with maximum contribution to teamwork with other employees and active participation in decision making, but also planning, organizing and activity control. This research starts from the assumption that the way of organizing production lines, team work of employees and relationships with suppliers, as factors of successful implementation of JIT strategy, determine the parameters of organizational structure of production companies in Serbia, whose output does not have the status of final product, but other companies use it as an input in production. The subject of the research is a detailed analysis of the impact of the implementation of JIT strategy on the organizational structure of the production company, in order to point out the importance of harmony in the relationship between JIT strategy - the parameters of organizational structure. The research results showed that an adequate organizational structure is a pillar of efficient and effective implementation of JIT strategy in this category of manufacturing companies, because this production model requires strong cooperation within the company, where plants and processes must be arranged to generate efficiency and increasing productivity, while minimizing the total cost of production. Internal cooperation, whose pillar is a decentralized type of organizational structure, and cooperation with suppliers are key prerequisites for manufacturing companies, without or with minimal inventories, to ensure that production size meets demand requirements quickly and efficiently.

SYSTEMS CONNECTIVITY FOR SOUND URBAN POLICY CREATION AND ENHANCEMENT: EXPLORING RURAL-URBAN INTERDEPENDENCIES AND LINKAGES FOR INCLUSIVE CITIES

This article is based on a study that investigated and examined the relevance of rural-urban linkages towards sustainable and inclusive development for both cities and rural areas. It argues that rural-urban linkages have great potential in facilitating sustainable development when harnessed and supported. The old definitive notion of rural and urban areas separated the two as distinct and independent regions. This led to biased policy initiatives towards urban development without consideration of the interdependencies between the two regions. The article is based on a desktop study involving the interrogation of literature and documents extracted from Google scholar, Ebsco and websites with news and policies and related material for data analysis. Emerging from the study are three main observations, that rural-urban linkages have huge potential that can help improve development; if not managed well, they can be manipulative and beneficial to one side and active participation in decision-making and implementation paves way for a sustainable future. It concludes that an in-depth understanding of these linkages can help harness the potential benefits that emanate from the rural-urban relationship. Policy recommendations are given that encourage inclusive city development rather than the separationist approach that dissects the existing rural-urban linkages.

Shifting the focus inward: Israeli social workers' participation in decision-making and their inclusion of service-users in intervention-related decisions.

Service-users' inclusion (SUI) in decision-making regarding services provided by public social services has numerous benefits for both users and providers. However, studies show a gap between the evolution of inclusive discourse and policy, and the implementation of SUI in social services' daily practice. Focusing on the organisational context, the present study is the first to empirically test the relationship between social workers' perception of the services' participative organisational culture (POC), their actual participation in organisational decision-making (SWAP) and their inclusive praxes with service-users (SUI). Data were collected between January and March of 2019 via an online survey of 317 Israeli social workers from 173 public departments of social services. Findings show that social workers who find the organisational culture at their workplace to be more participative, do in fact take a significantly greater part in decision-making at the organisational level, and include service-users more in decision-making throughout the intervention. Furthermore, SWAP mediates the connection between services' POC and SUI. Findings suggest that establishing a POC is not enough to increase users' inclusion, as social workers' active participation in decision-making is vital for their ability to include their marginalised users.