Civil Service Research Articles

TRAINING, MOTIVATION, LEADERSHIP, AND COMPETENCY EFFECTS ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE WITH JOB SATISFACTION AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of training, motivation, leadership, and competence on employee performance with job satisfaction as a mediating variable at the Deputy I of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia. The research contributes to understanding how factors such as training, motivation, leadership, and competence influence employee performance with job satisfaction as a mediating variable at the Deputy I of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia. The study population included all 131 employees under Deputy II, comprising civil servants, PPPK, and institutional honorary staff. The data were collected through questionnaires structured with a modified Likert scale. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Partial Least Square (PLS) and SPSS was applied to simultaneously examine both structural relationships between latent variables and measurement relationships between indicators. The results of this study succeeded in proving that leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee job satisfaction. Second, leadership is a good leader. Fourth, competence affects job satisfaction, the results show that good competence cannot always produce high employee performance. The findings can inform strategies for enhancing employee development and satisfaction, ultimately improving performance outcomes within governmental institutions.

Corruption impedes good governance in Somalia’s public sector

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the level of corruption in Somalia and the causes that lead to corruption that in turn hampers good governance. Design/methodology/approach The paper relies on the data collected from Somali’s public institutions, international actors, newspaper articles and peer-reviewed literature. The degree of corruption is assessed with the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International and the Control of Corruption provided by the World Bank. Findings The finding shows that the level of corruption in Somalia is high and complex because of the following reasons: weak governance and poverty, culture and tradition which include favoritism based on clan membership, lack of accountability mechanism and absence political will. Measures undertaken for anti-corruption, for instance, the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and legislation for its support face barriers and challenges that include political influence, lack of capacities among the undertaking institution and lack of participation by the public. Originality/value This research adds value to the knowledge of corruption in Somalia by identifying the concrete socio-political antecedents for corruption and the problems of fighting it. This paper further presents the following detailed strategies to address corruption: enhancing the operational and financial integrity of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission; restructuring the civil service and merging it into a merit-based system; enhancing Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms; independence of the judiciary; and sustaining development in digital technology adoption in governance and procurement.

Social Cohesion in Different Periods of the Pandemic: What Works in Reducing COVID-19 Mortality

Abstract Background Inconsistent results were reported regarding the effects of social cohesion dimensions on COVID-19 mortality rate (MR). Most studies have indicated that trust in civil services, but not participating in social activities, reduces COVID-19 MR, possibly because of the highly contagious nature of this disease. In this study, we investigated how the effects of various dimensions of social cohesion on COVID-19 MR vary across different phases of the pandemic. Methods This longitudinal study was conducted using data from 86 countries that participated in the 2017-2020 World Values Survey. The measures of social cohesion were identified by aggregating survey responses to the country level. COVID-19 MR was calculated-using data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control-separately for three distinct periods during the pandemic (January 2021-June 2022). A factor analysis was conducted to identify the dimensions of social cohesion, and negative binomial regression models were constructed to analyze data for each period. Results The factor analysis revealed three dimensions of social cohesion: social participation and inclusion, health service equality, and trust in civil services and democracy. Our findings suggest that each dimension of social cohesion uniquely affected COVID-19 outcomes in different periods of the pandemic. Trust in civil services and a positive attitude toward democracy are strongly associated with a low COVID-19 MR. However, this association was observed only in the early and middle stages of the pandemic. By contrast, our study demonstrated that in the late stage of the pandemic, increased social participation and inclusion helped combat COVID-19. Conclusions This study underscores the importance of collective cohesion and solidarity in mobilizing public responses against pandemic situations. This study emphasizes that preventive or regulatory interventions should be tailored to different phases of a pandemic. Key messages • COVID-19 mortality rate was negatively associated with trust in civil services during the early two periods and with social participation and social inclusion during the late period of the pandemic. • This study emphasizes that preventive or regulatory interventions should be tailored to different phases of a pandemic.

How do industry and other actors undermine tobacco control policies post-adoption? A scoping review

Abstract Background Over recent decades, many countries have strengthened their tobacco control policies. To be effective, full implementation is needed. Tobacco industry interference is widely recognised as a key barrier to tobacco control progress and evidence-based models like the policy dystopia model (PDM) list industry strategies, focusing on those avoiding and undermining policy adoption. While prior research highlighted industry activities post-adoption, these have not been captured systematically. This review aimed to map the efforts of industry, front groups and other actors to undermine the implementation of policies, including marketing, packaging, smokefree and flavour measures. Methods We searched six literature databases, relevant bibliographies and grey literature, and consulted experts. We included articles describing one or more attempts to undermine adopted policies, including marketing, packaging, smokefree and flavour. The PDM served as starting point for coding; additional strategies were identified inductively. Strategies were charted against aims and policies. Results Several aims and strategies were identified which were similar across policies. Following policy adoption efforts to 1) overturn and 2) weaken measures, and 3) delay implementation continued. Legal strategies were utilised and there were attempts to influence stakeholders. In addition, tobacco industry and other actors sought to 4) undermine policy effectiveness by creating confusion, circumventing policies, and noncompliance, and 5) use implementation as an opportunity to enhance industry reputation. Conclusions Interference from tobacco industry and other actors threatens effective tobacco control policy implementation. The public health community must continue to monitor, expose and counter industry conduct after policy adoption. More research is needed to enhance our understanding of how industry interferes in policy implementation, and how this can be pre-empted and countered. Key messages • The interference from tobacco industry and other actors following policy adoption threatens effective tobacco control, and needs to be monitored, exposed and countered by the public health community. • Policymakers and civil servants need to be wary of efforts to undermine tobacco control policies and act to ensure effective policy implementation.

Characteristics associated with prevalent atrial fibrillation and risk profile for future atrial fibrillation among those in sinus rhythm in an elderly population in the ELSA Brasil Study

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia that can lead to limiting symptoms and increases the risk of stroke and heart failure (HF). Purpose To evaluate the association of clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters with prevalent AF or flutter (AFF), and the risk profile for future AFF according to Charge-AF and EHR scores in an elderly population. Methods The ELSA-Brasil is a prospective cohort study designed to investigate cardiovascular disease and diabetes in 15,105 men and women, civil servants from universities or research institutions in six cities of Brazil. We included all participants in ELSA-Brasil aged 60 and over whose diagnosis of AFF could be assessed and had echocardiography performed at the study's baseline. From the initial sample with participants ≥ 60 years (n = 3,263), 400 participants were excluded due to missing data about AFF, and 775 who did not have echocardiographic studies. Results There were 88 (4.2%) participants with AFF at baseline among the 2,088 (65 ± 4.1 years; 53% women) included in this analysis. Those with AFF were older (66.8 ± 4.4 vs 65 ± 4.0 y-o) and had a higher prevalence of HF (16% vs 3.1%), previous myocardial infarction (14.8% vs 3.8%), left bundle branch block (LBBB: 4.6% vs 0,9%), prolonged QT interval (7.9% vs 2.0%), supraventricular extrasystoles (4.6% vs 1.2%), and sinus bradycardia (11.3% vs 2.9%). AFF individuals also presented larger left atrial volume index - LA (33.3 mL/m2 versus 27 mL/m2), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (4,63 ± 0,6 cm versus 4,47 ± 0,4 cm) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF: 63.6 ± 9.1% vs 67.4 ± 6.4%) that non-AFF (all p-values <0.05). In multivariable analysis, prevalent HF, LBBB, larger LA, and lower LVEF were independently associated with the presence of AFF. Among those in sinus rhythm at study baseline, both risk models showed that most individuals in our sample were at low risk. In the Charge-AF, 63% of individuals were identified as presenting low risk (<2.5%), and 12% of the sample was categorized as high risk, with a risk of five-year AFF greater than 5%. Similarly, in the EHR, 67% of participants were classified as low risk, and 13% were considered high risk. Conclusion We found that AFF was present in 4.2% of the subset of older participants in a cohort composed of free-living individuals in Brazil. The presence of AFF was associated with HF history, altered cardiac electrical activity, LA dilation, and worse LV systolic function. Among those with sinus rhythm, 12-13% were considered at high risk of developing AFF (> 5% in five years) based on two clinical scores. Clinical surveillance and monitoring of electrocardiography and echocardiography parameters may help the early identification of risk factors for AFF.

Work context and drinking behavior in the French public service: a qualitative study.

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a major public health problem. Among the working population, alcohol is the most frequently used psychoactive substance, as well as the most inappropriately used. Alcohol consumption reduces the worker's psychophysical integrity, leads to an increase in inappropriate behavior, accidents and injuries, and affects the safety and health of other workers. Thus, the workplace must play an essential role in prevention. Particularly in France, in the civil service, a specific professional sector made up of many professionals exposed to stress, the prevention of AUD must play an essential role. The objective of this study was to describe the framework of alcohol consumption in the French public service in order to understand the sources of alcohol consumption behaviors and to identify the prevention measures to be implemented, in order to reduce the risk of transition to an alcohol use disorder. This descriptive qualitative study was based on focus groups. Sampling was purposive and data saturation was verified. Coding was "in vivo," descriptive and pattern-oriented. Analysis was inductive thematic, and the COREQ guidelines were followed. Firstly, the presence of alcohol in the workplace has been characterized by a before-and-after a prohibition law, and by the revelation of mechanisms for avoiding the ban. Then, the three main determinants for alcohol use disorders were: society, work and personal factors. Lastly, the prevention initiatives identified must be based on both collective and individual approaches. They must be encouraged by the hierarchy, include screening, accompaniment to care, and take into account both work in the workplace and work at home. The fight against work-related alcohol use disorders must be part of the corporate culture. Preventing alcohol-related disorders among civil servants will help fight the burden of non-communicable diseases.

ASSÉDIO MORAL E A VIOLÊNCIA PSICOLÓGICA NA GESTÃO PÚBLICA

The phenomenon of moral harassment in public management is a matter of growingconcern, affecting the mental health of civil servants and the quality of services provided to society. The general objective of this study is to understand the dynamicsof moral harassment in the context of public administration, identifying its causes andconsequences, as well as the management practices that can contribute to itsprevention. The research is qualitative and descriptive in nature, using an approachthat allows an in-depth analysis of interactions and power relations in the public workenvironment. The methodology employed includes a comprehensive literaturereview, which examines relevant academic studies and institutional documents,complemented by a case study that provides a detailed analysis of a specific publicmanagement context. This approach aims to identify patterns and particularities inthe occurrence of moral harassment, as well as institutional responses to thisphenomenon. The results indicate that moral harassment is rooted in rigidhierarchical structures and in an organizational culture that often minimizes thesuffering of workers. It was found that the implementation of policies to prevent andcombat moral harassment is still incipient and lacks effectiveness, since many civilservants hesitate to report it for fear of retaliation. Therefore, this study highlights theurgent need for cultural transformation in public institutions, promoting respectful andinclusive work environments. It is concluded that combating moral harassment inpublic management is a fundamental ethical issue, which demands the commitmentof all actors involved. The research not only broadens the understanding of thedynamics of moral harassment, but also suggests ways to create more effectivepublic policies aimed at protecting the dignity of civil servants, benefiting not onlyworkers, but society as a whole.

Body composition trajectories before the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Whitehall II study

Abstract Background The trajectories of anthropometric and body composition measures (important predictors of diabetes) are rarely explored before diabetes diagnosis. Our study aimed to compare trajectories of fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) preceding type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to aging trajectories of individuals without diabetes during follow-up. Methods We used data from the Whitehall II study, a prospective cohort of British civil servants. 5-yearly BMI and WC were available for up to 20 years, while 5-yearly FM and FFM measures were available for up to 10 years. Linear mixed models with a backward timescale (from diabetes diagnosis or end of follow-up) were performed stratified by sex and adjusted for age, occupational grade, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors. Results A total of 1674/990 (anthropometric/body composition analysis) women (233/81 incident diabetes) and 3917/2710 men (479/217 incident diabetes) 49.81 [0.08]/60.91 [0.9] (mean [SE]) years of age at baseline were included. All outcomes were higher in cases compared to controls. Women’s FM, BMI, and WC followed a quadratic increase in both groups with a faster increase among incident diabetes cases (dBMI 0.04 [0.01] kg/m2/year, dFM 0.19 [0.09] kg/year, dWC 0.2 cm/year [0.05]). FFM decreased linearly with similar slopes in cases and controls. Men’s FM, BMI, and WC also showed a quadratic increase with faster increase in incident cases compared to controls (dBMI 0.03 [0.01] kg/m2/year, dFM 0.23 [0.04] kg/year, dWC 0.08 [0.02] cm/year). FFM followed a quadratic decrease in both groups with a slower rate (0.06 [0.03] kg/year) in incident cases. Conclusions Incident diabetes cases have higher anthropometric and body composition measures 10-20 years before diabetes diagnosis compared to controls. Furthermore, incident cases showed faster increases in these measures except for FFM that decreased during follow-up with similar or lower speeds in cases than controls. Key messages • Traditional anthropometric measures do not capture the underlying changes in body composition. • The inclusion of body composition in risk calculators may result in more precise diabetes prediction.

Mortality rate of percutaneous coronary interventions in st-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients under the public health insurance schemes of thailand

Abstract Background ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presents a critical public health challenge internationally, including in Thailand. Currently, standard therapeutic interventions, particularly primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI), are administered to Thai citizens. However, selected healthcare systems restrict access to specific pharmaceuticals and medical devices, causing inequalities in the quality of medical care amongst different healthcare systems. Such inequalities have the potential to significantly impact the quality of life of patients, particularly in the long term. Purpose The primary objective is to compare mortality rates within one year of STEMI patients after treatment with pPCI among the public health insurance schemes of Thailand. The secondary objective is to study prognostic determinants for one-year mortality rates among patients diagnosed with STEMI who have undergone pPCI. Methodology This study is a single-centre retrospective analysis of patients with STEMI treated with pPCI. It involves patients utilising various state health insurance schemes in Thailand from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020. Data collection occurred through the hospital's computerised management system and the registration administration office of the Department of Provincial Administration. The data analysis employed the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression modelling method. Results The study involved 1,077 patients, categorised into three groups based on their state health insurance: Universal Health Coverage (UC) (546 patients, 50.7%), Social Security System (SS) (199 patients, 18.5%), and Civil Service Reimbursement (CS) (332 patients, 62.6%). The one-year mortality rates in these groups were 10.57%, 4.21%, and 6.47%, respectively (p=0.010). In the unadjusted model, the SS group showed a lower risk of one-year mortality rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.80, p=0.011), and the CS group also demonstrated a lower risk (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-0.99, p=0.047) compared to the UC group. In the adjusted model, only the CS group significantly reduced the risk of one-year mortality. Other factors that affected one-year mortality were age ≥65 years, a Killip score of 3-4, pre-discharge prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, occlusion in the left anterior descending artery, and pericardial effusion. Conclusion Healthcare schemes play a significant role in influencing one-year mortality rates among STEMI patients treated with pPCI. The use of civil service reimbursement is a protective factor for the one-year mortality rate in STEMI patients. This information would be crucial for developing strategies and programs to aid healthcare policymakers at both regional and international levels in reducing morbidity and mortality.

Improving Interpersonal Communication through Strengthening Personality, Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Culture, and Trust (Using the Path Analysis and SITOREM Analysis Approach in Civil Servant Teachers))

This study aims to improve Interpersonal Communication through strengthening Personality, Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Culture, and Trust. The research population involved civil servant teachers of Group III in public elementary schools in South Tangerang City, with a sample of 155 people selected proportionally using the Yamane formula. This research method used a quantitative approach through a survey, and the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). SITOREM analysis was also conducted to identify key variables in “Operation Research.” The results showed that Personality, Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Culture, and Trust have a significant positive influence on Interpersonal Communication. Their respective path coefficients show that Personality (βy = 0.591), Emotional Intelligence (βy2 = 0.352), Organizational Culture (βy3 = 0.134), and Trust (βy4 = 0.280) significantly influence Interpersonal Communication. In addition, Personality also has a significant effect on Trust (β41 = 0.432) and Emotional Intelligence has a significant effect on Trust (β42 = 0.492). However, Emotional Intelligence has no significant effect on Organizational Culture (β43 = 0.125), while Personality significantly affects Organizational Culture (βy2 = 0.689).

Annihilation of the Jewish community of Kretinga in summer and autumn 1941

The article examines the annihilation of the Jewish community of Kretinga in summer and autumn 1941. The paper distinguishes two stages of the annihilation. The first stage was isolation of the Jews in the second half of June 1941, when around 340 Jewish men (between 14 and 60 years of age) were arrested in Kretinga Market Square on 24 June and about 540 Jewish women, children and elderly men were arrested between 26 and 27 June. The men were locked up in the synagogue, in the prison or in the police station, which, in addition to their main function, served as temporary concentration camps. Jewish women, children and elderly men (about 560 people) were forced into the small ghetto, which did not have self-government. Some data suggest that the ghetto was in Pryšmančiai Manor; other data suggest that it was in Kluonalių (Taikos) Street in Kretinga, in a former barn. Around 100 women inmates of the small ghetto were taken to the camp in Valteriškiai Village (Palanga rural area).The second stage of annihilation of the Jews was the actual extermination operations. Around 330 Jewish men were shot at the end of June 1941 in Kvecių Forest. It is likely that in August and September 1941, around 230 Jewish women, children and elderly men could have been shot and buried here also. So a total of around 560 Jews could have been buried in Kvecių Forest. Around 230 Jewish women, children and elderly men were shot or otherwise killed in Kretinga Jewish Cemetery. Seven Jewish men who were shot by the pond near the monastery in Kretinga were also buried here. So a total of around 237 members of the Jewish community of Kretinga rural area are buried here. On 12 October 1941, around 100 women of the Jewish community of Kretinga were shot in Kunigiškių Forest (Palanga rural area) together with other inmates of the camp located near Valteriškės Village, i.e. members of Palanga Jewish community. Kvecių Forest and Kretinga Jewish Cemetery are the final resting places not only of the Jews, but also of people of other nationalities suspected of being loyal to the Soviet regime. In total 43 non-Jewish people are buried in Kvecių Forest and 21 – in Kretinga Jewish Cemetery.The annihilation of the Jewish community of Kretinga in summer and autumn 1941 was a result of the collaboration between the German occupation authorities (German military commandant, civil administration, military police, and the Tilsit operational squad) and the Lithuanian authorities (municipal, public, security and criminal police and auxiliary police). Members of the Tilsit operational squad and officers of the security and criminal police of Kretinga District (Telšiai Region) take greatest responsibility for the annihilation of the Jewish community of Kretinga. These two institutions organised massacres of Jews and other people. Other institutions played a supporting role. The difference between Kretinga County and the other counties of Lithuania (e.g. Vilnius, Kaunas, Kėdainiai) is that the Lithuanian self-defence battalions were not engaged in the killing operations of Jews and other people and there were no large ghettos here like there were in Kaunas, Vilnius or Šiauliai.About 731 local residents indirectly contributed to the persecution and killing of Jews and other people in summer and autumn 1941 in Kretinga rural area and county; these were civil servants who worked at Lithuanian municipal institutions (32 persons), public police (93), security and criminal police (6), and auxiliary police (about 600 people). About 86 persons in the town and rural area of Kretinga contributed to the annihilation of Jews, specifically 4 municipal, 6 security and criminal police, 26 public police officers and around 50 members of the auxiliary police. It has been established that 242 out of 731 people carried out acts related to their indirect participation in the persecution and extermination of Jews and other people. It was also found that 242 people across Kretinga County took direct part in the extermination operations of Jews and other people, i.e. they participated in shooting and otherwise killing about 79 people, of which 11 were in the town and rural area of Kretinga.

Developing the concept of consequential senior European Union civil servants as sub-political policy entrepreneurs

ABSTRACT In a 2022 article the author described the late Sir Julian Priestley, Secretary-General of the European Parliament, 1997–2007, as being a ‘consequential senior European Union civil servant’, notably because of initiatives Priestley championed to provide simultaneous interpretation for all languages in an enlarged European Union – a facility not guaranteed at the time but which provided the Parliament with continued democratic legitimacy. This article builds on and develops that ‘consequential’ concept, by identifying some further examples of such consequential senior EU civil servants and then by teasing out common aspects of their roles and activities. It posits that they are in effect sub-political policy entrepreneurs (in the Kingdon definition) who can and do have significant effects on the development of their institutions and of the Union more generally. It shows how they share certain characteristics: long service in or with ‘their’ institutions, enabling them to develop reformist visions; political coverage; the determination to see their visions through. The fact that they remain sub-political raises potential questions about political legitimacy. The article concludes by questioning whether the phenomenon is specific to the European Union or can also be observed in national civil services and the secretariats of other international organisations.

Unveiling the complexity of civil service effectiveness index: An asymmetric and ANN modeling

Unraveling the factors influencing civil service effectiveness becomes imperative in an era marked by escalating demands for efficient governance. This study attempts to meet this necessity by delving into the complex dynamics among core executive functions, mission support facilities, service delivery functions, and attributes, aiming to elucidate their collective impact on civil service effectiveness. Utilizing a unique methodological blend of Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), it delves into the relationships among core executive functions, mission support facilities, service delivery functions, and attributes within the International Civil Service Effectiveness (InCiSE) Index framework. The research uses a configurational model that optimizes CSE and assesses the relative importance of various components. The study reveals significant correlations among the variables. It indicates that all CSE indicators influence but are not equally important in triggering the effectiveness of civil service administration. Key configurations, such as integrating strategic governance with mission support functions and high-level strategy with operational execution, are critical for enhancing civil service effectiveness. It underscores the importance of prioritizing core executive functions and attributes to improve civil service administration. Theoretically, the study enriches contingency theory and contributes to the civil service and administration literature by integrating a configurational approach with machine learning insights. Practically, it provides actionable insights for governance improvement, promoting the application of innovative methodologies in public service to enhance organizational environment and civil service capacities. Original in its approach, this study fills a gap in the literature by applying a hybrid fsQCA-ANN model to explore the configurational and construct ranks influencing civil service effectiveness, offering an inclusive analysis that triangulates qualitative and quantitative data. The findings indicate that civil service effectiveness is highly complex because of its process, involvement of diverse backgrounds of civil servants, critical understanding about the key pillars of good governance and service delivery mechanism. Thus, the findings advance academic understanding and provide practical strategies for policymakers and practitioners to foster better governance through targeted interventions that enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in civil service organizations.

Policy of Vocational Education Development in the Context of Digital Transformation: A Study in Ho Chi Minh City

The context of digital transformation has posed many policy requirements in the management of vocational education activities. In that context, the requirements for building and developing a team of teachers; requirements for innovation in training program content; changes in teaching and learning methods; and requirements for facilities and digital infrastructure equipment require the state to have appropriate vocational education development policies that meet the requirements of the digital transformation context. The purpose of this study is to assess: (i) The importance of vocational education development policies in the context of digital transformation in Ho Chi Minh City; (ii) The position and role of vocational education development policies in the context of digital transformation in Ho Chi Minh City; (iii) The contributions of policies to vocational education development in the context of digital transformation in Ho Chi Minh City; (iv) Some limitations in vocational education development policies in the context of digital transformation in Ho Chi Minh City. To achieve the set objectives, this study surveyed 137 people who are managers, teachers at several vocational education institutions and civil servants, public employees at several departments, branches, and business owners in Ho Chi Minh City. The study has shown that although Ho Chi Minh City has had many timely policies to develop vocational education, there are still limitations that have not kept up with the requirements of the digital transformation context. Therefore, the proposed solutions will contribute to perfecting Ho Chi Minh City’s vocational education development policies in the context of digital transformation.

DISTRICT HEAD'S LEADERSHIP STYLE ENHANCES CIVIL SERVANTS' MOTIVATION FOR ACHIEVING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NORTH SORONG

The leadership role at the district level plays a crucial part in promoting good governance, particularly in Sorong Utara District, part of Sorong City in Southwest Papua Province. This study focuses on transformational leadership and its impact on fostering motivation among civil servants within a supportive work environment. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the research aims to explore how leadership practices such as empathy, strategy development, guidance, integrity, and transparency influence civil servant motivation in achieving good governance. Findings reveal several challenges for leadership, particularly in upholding discipline, professionalism, and showing empathy towards employees' rights. Effective leadership strategies are required for developing guidance, enhancing integrity, and maintaining transparency, all of which are critical for boosting civil servant motivation. The study highlights that leaders who provide motivation, promote career development, and enable better public service delivery have a significant influence on staff performance. The research also establishes a positive link between civil servant motivation and improved performance. Motivational interventions that focus on optimizing the relationship between employees and their work environment can enhance both productivity and well-being. Ultimately, leaders who prioritize integrity, fairness, and the public interest over personal agendas can inspire staff to achieve organizational goals and help realize good governance.

Comparing elite and citizen attitudes towards the differentiated implementation of EU law: evidence from a large-N survey of citizens, politicians and bureaucrats

Transnational regulatory harmonisation is a key building block of the international legal order. However, little is known about how elite and citizen views of it differ. Using data from a Norwegian survey from 2023 this article finds both citizen-elite and intra-elite gaps in perceptions of legal harmonisation. First, citizens are significantly less likely to support legal harmonisation than bureaucrats. In contrast, the article finds that their views of it are similar to those of all but the most Eurosceptic politicians. Furthermore, while the attitudes of bureaucrats only differ significantly from those of strongly Eurosceptic politicians, bureaucrats with a ministry or legal background hold views of legal harmonisation significantly different from those of other civil servants. Future studies of public and elite opinion of international cooperation must thus theorise more clearly how the elite-citizen gap may vary for different elites, and empirically test how these differences manifest across policy areas.

Comments of the GRUR Committee for Design Law on the Request for a Preliminary Ruling in Case C-211/24 – LEGO A/S v. Pozitív Energiaforrás Kft

Abstract The German Association for Intellectual Property Law (hereinafter the ‘GRUR Association’), established in 1891, is a recognized non-profit scientific association of members of all professional groups and organizations active in the field of intellectual property law; these are, in particular, academics, judges, civil servants, lawyers, patent attorneys and representatives of associations and companies. The GRUR Committee for Design Law (hereinafter the ‘GRUR Committee’) has been established to determine the positions of the GRUR Association and is made up of design law experts from academia, the judiciary, the legal profession and industry. No member of the GRUR Association or the GRUR Committee who participated in or was involved in the proceedings prior to the request for a preliminary ruling participated in the present comments. The same is true for any member who is a party or participant in the proceedings. Participation in comments is reserved exclusively to members of the GRUR Association.

Temporal trend in quality indicators of diabetes care performance among persons with type 2 diabetes in primary care practice: a serial cross-sectional analytical study, 2013/14 to 2021/22.

Although the national-based policy implemented an initiative program to offer diabetes care management in Thailand, there are limited time trends of evidence to gauge whether the quality of diabetes care in primary care practice is improving. As such, we aimed to identify temporal trends in the quality of diabetes care performance among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in primary care practice. Using assembled patient-level data from a suburban community in northern Thailand, this serial retrospective cross-sectional analytical study obtained adult T2DM patients from nine consecutive fiscal years 2013/14 (n = 976) to 2021/22 (n = 1,242). Based on international and national guidelines recommended, nine quality indicators were examined, namely, smoking cessation, hemoglobin A1c monitoring, foot and eye examinations, albuminuria testing, statin prescription, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB) prescription for chronic kidney disease (CKD)/albuminuria, and blood pressure and glycemic control. Rates and time trends achieved in each quality indicator performance were estimated. Differences in the rates of patients who met each quality indicator across reimbursement schemes were explored. From 2013/14 to 2021/22, all quality indicators have increased over time (p for trend <0.05) except for smoking cessation, which remained steady. In 2021/22, only three out of nine quality indicators (i.e., smoking cessation, annual HbA1c monitoring, and annual foot examination) were successfully met at 70% or greater. Differences in quality indicators of diabetes performance were observed, particularly those under the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme compared with other health insurance counterparts. For overall time trends analysis (compared with 2013/14), significant relative changes in the fiscal year 2021/22 were found in the annual foot examination (adjusted 12.1% increase; p = 0.048), annual albuminuria testing (adjusted 12.1% increase; p = 0.048), and ACEI/ARB prescription for persons with CKD or albuminuria (adjusted 22.2% increase; p = 0.025). Among adult T2DM patients from 2013/14 to 2021/22, overall quality indicators for diabetes performance have substantially improved over time. However, health inequity regarding diabetes care performance was found across different reimbursement schemes. Sustainable policy implementation and innovative strategies to narrow health inequity are warranted to optimize diabetes care in primary care practice.

Improving Local Government Performance Through the Use of Contract Workers: A Case From South Korea

Policymakers in many countries have employed market approaches to supplement traditional civil service systems, and using contract employees is a form of this labor resourcing strategy. Although business studies have suggested that contract-based employment may enhance organizational performance, few studies have explored this relationship in the field of public administration. This study examines whether the use of contract employees is associated with organizational performance in the public sector. Based on the New Public Management (NPM) literature, this study develops hypotheses and tests them using two-way fixed effects models with 18 months of longitudinal data (2018–2019) from 2,912 neighborhood offices in South Korea. The results reveal that local governments with a greater number of contract employees are more likely to outperform doorstep health service delivery. The implications for the management of contract workers in the public sector are discussed.

Comparison of Polygamy Regulations in Morocco and Indonesia

The purpose of this study is to identify a comparison of the polygamy regulations in Morocco and Indonesia with regard to the fulfillment of requirements in the application, sanctions imposed and justice for a wife. and justice for the wife. This research uses comparative legal method based on a previous review of family law in Indonesia and Morocco. applicable in Indonesia and Morocco. By comparing the two countries with the majority of people are Muslim, the applicable laws have similarities and differences even though they use different legal systems. differences despite using different legal systems. Both Morocco and Indonesia allow husbands to practice polygamy with the permission of the court. court, justice is the main prerequisite for polygamy by prioritizing the fulfillment of physical, mental and spiritual needs. prioritizing physical, mental and financial fulfillment. Both countries both countries allow for the annulment of polygamy requests through a prior marriage agreement. previous marriage agreement. The differences are in the requirements that must be submitted through the court and the sanctions imposed on data falsification. Besides In addition, in Indonesia there are special rules governing the permissibility of polygamy by civil servants, while in Morocco it applies generally. civil servants while in Morocco it applies in general.