Governance Reform Research Articles

Governance and health system reform: a case study of new health regions in Ireland, 2018-2023

Abstract Background While the significance of good governance is recognised within health systems research, its role in health system reform is underexplored. This research focuses on the establishment of new decentralised regional health structures in Ireland in the period 2018-2023, examining how aspects of governance impacted the decentralisation reform process, from policy design through to implementation. Methods The research applied a qualitative, multi-method approach involving analysis of official documents relevant to the regional decentralisation process, and 12 semi-structured interviews with key informants from across the health sector. The research applies the TAPIC framework for health governance as its analytic framework and the data is analysed using thematic analysis. Results Deficiencies in accountability arrangements, poor transparency within the system and vis-à-vis external stakeholders, and a lack of clarity of roles and responsibilities for various process and key decisions related to the reform were identified as undermining progress at various stages of Ireland’s decentralisation reform process. An underlying distrust between key institutional actors was identified. These findings are grounded in complex social, cultural, and political and institutional developments in Ireland’s history. Also of note is the interwovenness of the five TAPIC domains and the importance of engaging with the complexity and relationality intrinsic to health system reform processes to achieve the aim(s) of the reform in question. Conclusions Large scale health system reform is a complex process and its governance presents distinct challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. To understand and address these, critical analysis of the historical context surrounding the policy reform and the institutional relationships at its core are needed. Key messages • Governance plays a crucial if overlooked role in health systems reform. Effective governance arrangements are central to the successful design and implementation of reform initiatives. • Ensuring a strong link between policy design and implementation processes is crucial to the success of health systems reform.

The Effects of Governance-Related Regulatory Reform: Ownership Structure and Earnings Management in Vietnamese Listed Firms

The purpose of this study is to examine how the influence of the internal corporate governance mechanism, namely ownership structure, on firms’ earnings management (EM) practices and insider choices between accrual-based and real EM changed after regulatory reform in Vietnam. The author considers the role of three ownership types, managerial, state and foreign, and assess how the relation between ownership structure and EM was affected by the Code of Corporate Governance reform. The study relies on a comprehensive sample of 4,408 firm-year observations of 596 firms listed on either the HOSE or HNX between 2008 and 2016. The study finds a significant effect of the reform on the relation between ownership structure and EM. Thus, the reform mitigated agency problems of managers and foreign investors in Vietnamese listed firms. The study contributes to the literature as it provides a more complete picture of the effects of managerial, state and foreign ownership on EM where the protection of minority investors is generally weak and legal enforcement is low in a developing economy.

X-raying Human Rights Violations by Government Agencies in Nigeria's Democratic System of Government

Respect for human rights is diminishing within Nigeria's democracy, with the political elite often acting with impunity and ignoring the rule of law. Gender discrimination and exclusion of marginalized citizens persist in politics. This study investigated human rights violations by government agencies in Nigeria, with the aim of enhancing understanding of the situation and proposing policy recommendations for promoting human rights. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, with 150 individuals randomly selected from government agencies in Lagos state. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, with the analysis focusing on patterns in conversations, text, and activities. The findings reveal the emotional and systemic impacts of government agencies' human rights violations, calling for sweeping reforms and enhanced accountability. Respondents also stress the complexity of accountability challenges and advocate for a collaborative approach. They offer valuable strategies, including government reforms, civil society involvement, education and awareness, learning from successful examples, and using media and digital platforms to promote human rights and accountability. The study concluded that the findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted challenges of human rights violations in Nigeria. This requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and the media. Sweeping reforms and enhanced accountability mechanisms are essential to ensure justice and the protection of human rights for all Nigerians. This study provides a valuable overview of human rights violations by government agencies in Nigeria's democratic system of government. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to address the root causes of these violations and to ensure accountability for perpetrators. The study's recommendations offer a roadmap for promoting human rights and strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

Impact of Indonesia's Forest Management Units on the reduction of forest loss and forest fires in Sulawesi

The establishment of Forest Management Units (Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan/ KPH) represents one of Indonesia's most significant forest governance reforms, covering the 120 million hectares of designated Forest Areas. Sharing features with the Landscape Approach, KPHs are expected to reduce deforestation and forest degradation through improved forest planning, oversight, open access avoidance, and fire prevention and response. This paper assesses the impact of KPHs on the reduction of forest loss, including forest loss due to fire, and the factors that influence this impact (e.g. KPH's primary objective, deforestation risk). We use remotely sensed data to estimate difference-in-differences models accounting for differences in baseline characteristics and multiple time periods. Our case study, Sulawesi Island, is primarily shaped by smallholder farmer land use, where KPHs can exert significant influence. We do not find evidence of an overall effect of KPHs on deforestation. However, we observe intriguing heterogeneous effects depending on the year, including significantly less deforestation in already-established KPHs during the El Niño years of 2015–16, and a notable impact on the reduction of forest loss due to fire in some early-established KPHs. These findings warrant further investigation.

The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement: Ambitious progress or business as usual?

The World Health Organization (WHO)’s proposal for a Pandemic Agreement, released in April 2024, at first blush, seems laudable (WHO 2024a). The failure of governments to coordinate a response to COVID-19, as implored by the WHO and the United Nations (UN) at the beginning of the pandemic, underlines the urgent need for reform in the global governance of pandemics. This editorial considers: how has the Agreement progressed to date? And will it adequately prepare societies to tackle future pandemics?

The Influence of Business Ethics and Diversity on ESG Disclosure: Empirical Evidence from Indonesian Firms

This study examines the impact of corporate governance mechanisms, board characteristics, and ethical leadership on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in Indonesian companies. The analysis investigates how board ethics, independence, tenure, ownership structure, and other governance factors influence ESG scores. The findings reveal that board ethics and independence significantly improve ESG performance, supporting the role of ethical leadership and resource dependence theory in shaping corporate sustainability. Additionally, the study highlights the role of institutional ownership in driving ESG outcomes, particularly in emerging markets. Cultural factors, such as board culture, also contribute to the variability in ESG performance, suggesting the importance of aligning corporate governance practices with local values and global sustainability standards. The results have important theoretical implications, extending corporate governance theories to the context of developing economies. Practically, the findings provide insights for policymakers, corporate leaders, and investors to enhance ESG performance through effective governance reforms and ethical leadership. This study offers a significant contribution to the growing literature on ESG in emerging markets and provides a foundation for future research on corporate sustainability in different institutional settings.

Does local government debt promote firm green innovation? Evidence from the Chinese local government debt governance reform

Green innovation is a crucial strategy for fostering a green economy and achieving sustainable development. This paper focuses on the role of government debt in the sustainability of firm green innovation, particularly in the context of Chinese local government debt governance reform in 2014 (CLGDGR2014). By analyzing annual data of Chinese publicly listed firms from 2011 to 2018, the study explores the impact of CLGDGR2014 on firm green innovation and the underlying driving mechanisms. The findings suggest that CLGDGR2014 improves the firm green innovation, by alleviating firms' financing constraints and underscoring the productive function of local government debt in advancing new infrastructure development. The further analysis explores the impact of various types of debt on green innovation after CLGDGR2014 and indicates that explicit local government debt has a promoting effect while implicit local government debt is not obvious. In conclusion, this research offers new insights into leveraging and managing local government debt to stimulate green innovation.

Two-tier corporate board structure, corporate governance reforms and financial performance of firms listed on the China stock market

Two-tier corporate board structure, corporate governance reforms and financial performance of firms listed on the China stock market

Governmental strategies for municipal amalgamations: evidence from 24 European countries

ABSTRACT For several decades, European governments have pursued amalgamations of local governments, mainly to improve municipal service provision, efficiency and governing capacities. Some reforms resulted in comprehensive territorial restructuring; others had little impact. This study investigates the strategies and policy tools European governments implemented to achieve municipal amalgamations. I propose a new three-fold typology of reform strategies and analyse the policy instruments used in each strategy throughout the reform periods, using comparative evidence on 29 amalgamation reforms implemented by central and regional European governments since 2000. I assess the outcomes of each strategy and discuss the findings’ implications for multi-level reform governance.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Higher Education: A Critical Examination of Governance and Policy

The contemporary university has evolved into a multifaceted institution, serving not only as a hub for research, professional training, and knowledge dissemination, but also as a pivotal component of economic machinery and societal advancement, especially within the context of globalization and intense competition. These institutions are now expected to significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of their surroundings, striving for excellence and competing within an increasingly interconnected global framework. To meet these heightened expectations, universities have undergone profound transformations over recent decades. This period of change is particularly notable within the Spanish context, mirroring the broader societal shifts since the onset of the democratic transition in 1975 through to the present day in 2024. This era has necessitated substantial reforms in university governance, equipping these institutions with the requisite tools to navigate and address emerging challenges effectively. A pivotal moment in this transformative journey was the enactment of the University Reform Law of 1983. Grounded in constitutional principles, this law marked a significant milestone in updating and revitalizing university education in Spain. After this, the Organic Law on Universities of 2001 further aligned the Spanish university framework with the broader European educational landscape, reinforcing the integration and competitiveness of Spanish institutions on a continental scale. However, to comprehensively grasp the magnitude and implications of these changes, it is essential to extend our analysis beyond the immediate past and explore the historical trajectory of Spanish universities over previous centuries. By examining this extensive historical context, we can better understand the foundational elements that have shaped the current state of higher education. This article aims to meticulously analyze the evolution of the Spanish university system, delineating the chronological progress, identifying persistent challenges, and engaging in a critical discourse on potential solutions. Through this examination, the article seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the interplay between historical legacies and contemporary reforms, offering insights that are essential for shaping the future trajectory of higher education in Spain.

Overview of Governance and Rampant Corruption in Land Administration in Bangladesh

This study focuses on the governance and corruption in the land management system of Bangladesh and the effect of these factors on the tenure security of land and the country’s economic growth. This study used a quantitative research design. The research outcomes show that corruption is systematic in all levels of land management, thus eroding the security of tenure, and worsening social inequalities. The new governance reforms have also been implemented to curb corruption; however, these changes’ impact has been rather poor. In light of the findings of the study, there is a well-established need for systematic reform to improve the situation in Bangladesh through digitization of land records, better transparency, and higher accountability in the land administration sector. The investigation presented in this research adds to the discussion of governance and development and offers practical policy suggestions that relate to fighting corruption and enhancing the efficient utilization of Bangladeshi land.

Access to primary healthcare services among adults with disabilities in Brazil.

To investigate perspectives of people with disabilities in Brazil regarding the access to primary healthcare. In-depth interviews were conducted with 44 individuals with disabilities in Pernambuco, Distrito Federal, and São Paulo between March 2020 and November 2021. These interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed thematically, using the Levesque framework to identify healthcare access barriers. Participants expressed a solid understanding of their healthcare needs and existing obstacles. However, individuals with hearing and visual impairments experience challenges because of communication barriers. In Pernambuco, the Community Health Agent was often the initial point of contact for primary care services. Public transportation lacked accessibility, from buses to driver attitudes, posing difficulties for people with disabilities. More accessible transportation and improved urban infrastructure could enhance service access. High medication costs were reported due to limited healthcare unit availability. Communication accessibility issues, inadequate audio-visual resources and equipment were also identified as barriers. Attitudinal barriers among healthcare professionals and subpar home visit services further hinder access. To address these challenges and improve the well-being of individuals with disabilities in Brazil, comprehensive action is essential. This includes leadership, governance, and resource allocation reforms to meet healthcare needs. Initiatives like disability-focused training for service providers, enhanced transportation options, improved information accessibility, and increased support from community healthcare workers can collectively enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

Reflections on three decades of digital transformation in local governments

ABSTRACT This article draws from scholarly debates over three decades to argue for a shift in the study of digital transformation in local governments founded in the understanding that technology is an unavoidable tool for local government reform and that academic research in this field needs to be driven by real-world situations that local governments face when they undertake digital transformation processes and assess their results. The article advocates for four specific changes: 1) the acknowledgement that the relationship between the organisation and the use of technology is bi-directional, 2) the adoption of a multi and interdisciplinary perspective in the scholarship of digital transformation in local governments, 3) the study of public value creation as the result of digital transformation processes and local government reforms, and 4) the need to significantly advance the field by building on existing research and findings when a new technology comes into play.

Governance reforms in the caliphate of Omar IBN Abd Al-Aziz (RA): A historical and economic overview (717-720 CE)

Governance reforms in the caliphate of Omar IBN Abd Al-Aziz (RA): A historical and economic overview (717-720 CE)

Executive pay restrictions, political promotion, and firm efficiency: Evidence from China

Using the mandatory reform in executive pay restrictions within Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) as a quasi-natural experiment, we investigate the effects of compensation incentives and political promotion on firm efficiency. Our difference-in-differences analyses reveal that firm efficiency significantly decreases following the reform, and political promotion can attenuate this negative association. Firm risk-taking is a potential mechanism underlying this observed phenomenon. The negative relationship and mitigation effect are more pronounced for central SOEs and commercial class II SOEs. Furthermore, these findings exhibit variations based on distinctive attributes in compensation structures, CEO characteristics, and political promotion ranks. Overall, our study underscores the complementary roles of explicit and implicit incentives within SOEs, providing a strong rationale for government regulation and reform of executive compensation.

The Roles of SERVICOM in Service Delivery in Nigeria

Governments all over the world including Nigeria, have preferred better ways to provide welfare services to the citizens with fewer resources. Service Compact (SERVICOM) with all Nigerians was a direct response to improving service delivery in Nigeria which sought ways to provide welfare services to all the citizens with limited resources, enhancing transparency and accountability of public servants. This paper examined the extent to which the application of SERVICOM as a public policy has improved upon service delivery of the Nigerian public service, arising from the background that it serves as the machinery upon which governmental policies are implemented. This paper brought to the fore the critical importance of public service delivery to the citizens in a timely, honest, appreciable and effective manner under democratic dispensation. The importance of SERVICOM has resonated in all public organizations, with an emphasis on healthcare delivery and education sector. The paper however unearthed that some of the reforms of government including SERVICOM has not changed the attitudes of some public servants and other public officers. This paper relied heavily on secondary data collection which included review of related literature, online analysis of some related reforms, use of some periodicals, upon which findings were made. This paper recommended amongst others training, and retraining with ICT touch, and the establishment of monitoring teams to enforce adequate compliance. The national orientation agency should also be empowered to commence enlightenment campaigns for the entire citizens.

Changing Agriculture Patterns and Environment Concerns

Over fifty-percent of India's population depends on agriculture for their living, as it plays a major role in the country's food security. Agriculture has been and is still the foundation of the Indian economy. From Post-Independence subsistence-oriented and feudal systems to modern technologically sophisticated and market-driven agriculture, the sector's history is shaped by government reforms, technological advances, and socio-economic shifts. In this context this paper examines the Post-Independence agrarian structure, the transformative Green Revolution which comes with a number of environment concerns ranging from increased green-house gas emission contributing to global warming and climate change accompanied by land degradation, soil and water pollution. The paper also critically assesses the implications of climate change on crop production, water resources, and rural health and livelihoods and outlines future directions for sustaining agricultural growth and ensuring food security.

윤석열 정부의 10대 교육개혁 정책의 변동 유형과 특성 분석 - 문재인 정부 정책의 단절과 계승의 관점을 중심으로 -

This paper analyzes which policies are being inherited and which are being discontinued in comparison to the major policies of the Moon Jae-in administration, focusing on the 10 reforms of the Yun Suk-yul government. Official documents released by the Ministry of Education and central ministries were utilized to examine the contents. This study analyzed major policies by applying an analytical framework that categorized them into policy inheritance (maintenance and expansion), policy disconnection (reduction and abandonment), and path creation (inheritance and disconnection). The analysis revealed that the Yun-Seok-yeol government sought to deny and differentiate itself from the Moon Jae-in government’s policies. At the same time, the Yun-Seok-yeol government is trying to inherit the policies of its predecessor. We analyzed 19 major policies, and found that 11 were inherited and 8 were discontinued. Some policies can be evaluated differently depending on your perspective. Based on this, here are seven characteristics that the Yoon administration has shown in the process of implementing major policies.

Assessing the Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Vietnam's Socioeconomic Development and Proposing Policy Recommendations

In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as one of the world's top 20 destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI). Since reforming its Foreign Investment Law in 1987 and joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, the country has implemented numerous tax and investment procedure reforms. This influx of FDI has significantly boosted Vietnam's economic growth, job creation, and social welfare. However, challenges persist—complex legal procedures and weak links between FDI and domestic businesses have been ongoing issues for four decades. Moreover, new global economic trends such as the global minimum tax, sustainable development, digital transformation, and the shift towards a circular economy demand timely and appropriate government reforms. These reforms are crucial for developing suitable foreign investment policies and effective FDI attraction strategies. This article aims to examine Vietnam's current FDI landscape, assess its socio-economic impact in recent years, and propose recommendations for a more selective and effective FDI strategy moving forward.

The Paradox of Progress towards SDG7: Governance Quality and Energy Poverty Dynamics in Pakistan

This study investigates the multidimensional aspects of energy poverty in Pakistan from 2000 to 2022, specifically evaluating the direct, indirect, and total effects of socioeconomic and environmental factors. We employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the impacts of income, population, governance quality, energy intensity, fuel prices, and renewable energy consumption on energy poverty. The study further contributes by examining the mediating role of governance quality and developing the World Governance Indicators (WGI) Index. The findings indicate significant negative effects of energy intensity and renewable energy consumption on energy poverty. Conversely, population growth and income levels demonstrate positive effects, contradicting conventional economic development and energy access assumptions. Governance quality establishes direct and indirect effects that mediate most relationships between independent variables and energy poverty. Bootstrapping analysis confirms the significance of governance quality as a mediator. The model describes significant energy poverty variance with robust predictive relevance. This study emphasizes the need to adopt a comprehensive strategy to decrease Pakistan’s energy poverty by articulating socioeconomic, environmental, and governance factors. Our findings offer valuable information for policymakers to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, embarking on governance reforms, promoting sustainable growth, and enforcing investments in energy efficiency and renewable sources as Pakistan approaches the 2030 SDG 7 deadline.