Local Government Institutions Research Articles

From chaotic construction to coevolution: Tbilisi’s 2019 master plan and the right to the city

ABSTRACT A cautious revival for planning is emerging in some post-socialist cities including Tbilisi, Georgia – a response to diminished quality of life after decades of “investor urbanism” policies. Tbilisi’s 2019 Master Plan takes a pragmatic approach to the right to the city – emphasizing human rights to urban mobility and green space but in cooperation with market processes and detached from ideological narrative. The adoption and implementation of Tbilisi’s plan has the potential to yield a coevolution of local governance institutions, now oriented for the first time since independence to administer long-term urban policy. While full implementation of the plan vision will likely be limited by existent processes of state capture, the plan offers a promising new framework for urban governance and the social function of urban space. Although Georgia exhibits troubling signs of democratic backsliding, Tbilisi’s plan asserts alignment with international best practices including European Union accession criteria – thus serving as a potent geopolitical tool.

Policy-reality gaps in Africa’s walking cities: Contextualizing institutional perspectives and residents’ lived experiences in Accra

ABSTRACT This paper confronts the current policy landscape and lived experiences of walking in African cities through the lens of policies, plans, institutional, and residents’ narratives. The paper builds on qualitative evidence drawn from content analysis and semi-structured interviews with local-level stakeholders across policy sectors concerned directly or indirectly with walking and walkability in the city. Perspectives from local government institutions are first reviewed to ascertain considerations for accessibility, safety, and pleasurability dimensions of walking and, second, contrasted with the lived walking experiences of residents of low-income settlements in Accra. Results indicate limited attention to pleasurability dimensions in both policy and municipal plans and significant incongruities with residents’ lived realities of walking. This parallel between the frameworks and plans underpinning the construction of the walking environment and the lived experiences of those affected by such decisions seeks to nuance debates about policy-reality (dis)junctures in African urbanism.

Stakeholder Mapping in the Management in Lingga Isaq Hunting Park Protected Area, Aceh Tengah

Stakeholder mapping is an important step in managing conservation areas to understand and involve interested parties in decision making. Bur Lingga Isaq Park in Central Aceh is a conservation area that has high biodiversity and is important to preserve. This research aims to carry out stakeholder mapping in the management of Bur Lingga Isaq Park, identify the interests and roles of each stakeholder, and evaluate their level of involvement in decision making regarding conservation areas. The research methods used include document analysis, interviews, and participant observation. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and using stakeholder analysis tools such as interest and power matrices. The research results show that there are several stakeholders involved in the management of Bur Lingga Isaq Park, including local government, local communities, non-government organizations, and educational institutions. Their interests include economic, social, cultural and conservation aspects. The level of stakeholder involvement varies, with some stakeholders having a more dominant role in decision making. These findings provide valuable insights for conservation area managers in strengthening collaboration with stakeholders and ensuring continued participation in decision making. In the context of Bur Lingga Isaq Park, an inclusive and sustainable framework is needed to ensure successful management of conservation areas. This research also provides a basis for further studies in identifying more effective and sustainable management strategies by involving diverse stakeholders and interests in the management of conservation areas.

Fueling success: unleashing the power of employee motivation for peak productivity and organizational excellence at Kwabre East Municipality

The question of whether or not motivation influences the outcome of employees in an organization is one of the polemics among scholars of political science around the globe. Motivating public sector employees, like those in the Local Government Service of Ghana, is a major challenge. Strikes and demonstrations in the Ghanaian civil service are often driven by demands for better pay and working conditions, negatively impacting productivity. This study intentions to address and assess the effect of motivation on the employees and their level of performance in the case of Kwabre East Municipal. The research adopted a positivist research philosophy to uncover measurable relationships between Motivation of employees and the performance of the organization. The research used a quantitative research approach, and stratified random sampling was used in a cross-sectional design to select 157 employees to ensure representation from different organizational levels and departments. The study discovered that financial and non-financial incentives, leadership styles, and recognition stimulate the employees of Kwabre East Municipal Assembly to work efficiently. It is recommended that the Government and management of Local Government Institutions should enhance motivational strategies and diversify incentive packages, in other to motivate employees working in various sectors to influence productivity.

Exploring the Performance of and the Citizens’ Trust in Local Government Institutions (LGIs) at the Grassroots: Views from Bangladesh

Considering the dearth of research on the performance of and the citizen’s trust in local government institutions (LGIs) in Bangladesh, this study focuses on Union Parishad (UP)—the lowest tier of LGIs at grassroots. By combining both quantitative and qualitative methods of investigation, primary data through questionnaire survey among service recipients and through key informants’ interviews with service providers have been collected, triangulated and analysed. The study, by evaluating institutional performance of the UPs against several variables, unveils a low level of citizen’s trust in UPs resulting from a low level of satisfaction regarding its performance. While the citizens identify the lack of timeliness, unfair practices and disrespectful behaviour during service delivery among key reasons behind the lack of trust, the institutional actors criticise the lack of institutional autonomy and resources for the poor performance and failures in satisfying local demands at the grassroots.

The Influence of Internal Control Systems, Information Technology Utilization and Organizational Commitment on the Performance of Local Government Institutions (Empirical Study on Regional Apparatus Organizations in Jayapura City)

<span lang="EN-US">This study aims to determine the influence of the internal control system, the use of information technology, and organizational commitment to the performance of Jayapura City government agencies. This type of research is quantitative research using a causal associative design. The data analysis method used in this study is multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS version 22. The population in the study was 23 OPDs within the jayapura city offices and agencies, the research samples were the Head of the Office / Agency / Secretary, the Head of the Planning and Reporting Program Subdivision, as well as staff with data sources obtained through the results of filling out questionnaires. Based on the results of the partial research conducted, it can be seen that the internal control system, the use of information technology and organizational commitment have a significant effect on the performance of government agencies. And simultaneously the internal control system, the use of information technology, and organizational commitment have a significant effect on the performance of government agencies.</span>

Government Coordination In Implementing Stunting Weighing Operations In Kupang City

This study aims to determine Government Coordination in Implementing Stunting Weighing Operations in Kupang City. The type of research used is qualitative research. The research results show that the implementation of stunting operations in Kupang City involves cross-sectoral coordination. Availability of stunting toddler data as a result of carrying out operations as a basis for carrying out stunting interventions in Kupang City. Based on horizontal coordination, even though the leading sector is in the health office, coordination with equivalent institutions has been running optimally. However, vertical coordination is still a problem because the target for weighing (toddlers) at the community level involves community participation in load operations. Even though the level of attendance is relatively high, not all toddlers participate in these activities. Based on this, coordination between central, regional, and local government institutions needs further improvement. Apart from increasing coordination between governments, more effective community participation is also required. Inter-governmental coordination and community participation are the keys to success in dealing with the stunting problem in Kupang.

Improving the quality of life of the community through the regional literacy movement

This study investigates the relationship between the literacy movement and the quality of human life with the main aim to improve the quality of life of local communities through literacy programs initiated by local governments. Local governments must have regional regulations that regulate the implementation of education based on regional literacy movements to provide guidelines to the community in carrying out activities to improve the quality of life and welfare of local communities. This research was conducted using the literature review method with data on literacy movements that have been carried out in areas published in national journals. Improving the quality of life of the community can be done by measuring CLDI (Community Literacy Development Index) by involving two components, namely: the Community Literacy Building Element (CLBE) component and the Community Aspect (CA) component. The study found that there is a correlation between the results of good CLDI measurements and the improved quality of life of the community. Good CLDI results were obtained through regional literacy movements carried out massively in local government institutions, including: Library and Archives Office, Education and Culture Office, Community and Village Empowerment Office.

MODEL PENGHITUNGAN ZAKAT PERTANIAN PADA PETANI PADI MENURUT HUKUM ISLAM (STUDI KASUS DI KECAMATAN MARIORAWA KABUPATEN SOPPENG)

This qualitative descriptive study explores the practices and understanding of zakat, specifically agricultural zakat, among rice farmers in Kecamatan Marioriawa, Kabupaten Soppeng, South Sulawesi. Utilizing a phenomenological, syar'i, and juridical approach, the research focuses on how these farmers interpret and implement the Islamic obligation of zakat. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis, following an interactive method of data analysis. The study reveals a significant gap between the theoretical principles of zakat in Islam and its practical application among the farmers. Many do not accurately understand the regulations concerning nisab (the minimum amount of agricultural produce that necessitates the payment of zakat), haul (the period for zakat collection), and the percentage of zakat to be given. This misunderstanding results from inadequate education and mobilization efforts by local zakat management authorities and religious leaders. The research further discusses the variations in zakat practices, with some farmers calculating zakat incorrectly or choosing zakat recipients subjectively. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for better education and a more proactive approach from zakat collectors (amil zakat) in educating and collecting zakat from rice farmers. The study suggests that local government and religious institutions should collaborate to provide training and workshops to enhance farmers' understanding and proper practice of zakat according to Islamic teachings. Additionally, the formation of village or sub-district zakat teams is recommended to facilitate the collection and distribution of zakat in a more structured, transparent, and accountable manner, ensuring the optimal function of zakat as a tool for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation in the community.

Measuring Financial Condition of Municipalities in Bangladesh: A Case Study on Gangni Pourashava in Meherpur District

Sufficient financing in local government institutions is the key to effectively carry out a wide range of functions at the local level. In Bangladesh, municipalities play a pivotal role in delivering various services and engaging in socio-economic activities. This research aims to assess the financial conditions of urban local government organizations in Bangladesh, with a particular emphasis on Gangni Pourashava in Meherpur District. The study adopts a comprehensive approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, including a structured questionnaire survey and interviews for data collection. The findings reveal that local governments exhibit favorable financial conditions to cover their expenditures. However, a stark contrast emerges when considering citizen satisfaction, with widespread dissatisfaction attributed to the perceived lack of financial responsibility, citizen participation, and transparency. Notably, the research identifies several key challenges, including the absence of financial autonomy, dependence on government grants, and resource constraints. These findings suggest that municipalities need to engage in comprehensive financial planning that is transparent and involves greater citizen participation.

Something Greater Than Ourselves: Towards Good Academic Management

Universities have been with us for centuries if not millennia. The academy is one of the oldest organisational forms still in existence. Throughout their history, universities have evolved, experimenting with various kinds of organisational structure: from student association, through private company, to ecclesiastical, state, or local government institution. They have been continually altering their management structure: from a collective of peers through a centralised hierarchy and a loose federation of faculties to a structure based on deeply democratic collegiality. Currently in Poland, as in many other countries, a series of reforms have put universities under pressure to “marketise.” This paper discusses some of the urgent dilemmas that have arisen after the transformation of the sector and offers some ideas for where sustainable managerial solutions could be sought.

Differences in the perception of distance learning by teachers using it during Covid 19 and before - statistical analysis

Remote teaching using information and communication technology solutions has become a common form of education during the Covi-19 pandemic. This period of intensive distance learning highlighted many aspects related to this form of education, which include technological infrastructure, software and the preparation of human resources, especially in the area of digital competences. The main aim of the study is to evaluate distance classes by teachers who conducted remote classes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study used a survey method among teachers teaching at various levels of education. Statistical analysis methods were used for analysis. The study was conducted in January-April 2022. 111 teachers participated in the study. The main conclusion of the research is that digital competences and previous experience in conducting distance classes had an impact on the positive assessment of this form of learning. Moreover, the results showed that the synchronous form of conducting remote classes was more often used in schools/universities that had no experience in this area before the pandemic. The presented results can be used in analyzes carried out for both industry and local government institutions.

Enhancing Sustainable Procurement: the Role of E-Procurement Implementation in Local Government Institutions of Ghana

Enhancing Sustainable Procurement: the Role of E-Procurement Implementation in Local Government Institutions of Ghana

Urban Health Sector in South Kerala: Exploring the Role of Local Government Institutions

Background: Following rapid urbanization in Kerala, the urban population grew faster with different health needs, widening the socioeconomic and health inequity. The urban primary health centers were formed, and with the introduction of decentralized governance, the primary and secondary health-care facilities in the urban region were transferred to the urban local bodies (ULBs) such as corporations and municipalities. This study tried to explore the role of the local government institutions in the urban health sector of Kerala. Methodology: Qualitative approaching was used involving in-depth interviews and secondary data analysis of health financing data from ULBs. The settings were purposively chosen from different levels of ULBs in South Kerala. Results: The in-depth interviews were analyzed deductively based on the themes evolved from the larger project. The major finding of the study was organized under the themes: (1) fund allocation and resource mobilization, (2) drinking water and waste management, (3) challenges in project implementation, (4) health care of vulnerable populations under the ULBs, and (5) Kudumbashree and community participation. Conclusion: The findings from thematic analysis and secondary data analysis lead to the conclusion that most of the ULBs focused on health-related domains such as sanitation, drinking water, waste management, and nutrition. The financial and administrative support given to health facilities was limited due to many factors including lack of resource availability, low autonomy, and low community participation. Despite this, many ULBs made efforts to collaborate with health facilities and other stakeholders to implement innovative and need-based health projects.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN THE MUNICIPAL GUARD

Nowadays, local government employees have become a key capital of public organisations and a factor in their success. In the modern conditions of the economy, determined by the variability of regulations, the environment, and the development of knowledge and technology, local government institutions can achieve their goals thanks to appropriate management of human resources. In this case, the management of Municipal and City Guards, which are an important element in the public safety system, is of particular importance. The author attempts to answer the question whether in the case of Municipal and City Guards, assumptions related to the concept of human resources management are identified. The reason for taking up this issue is also the fact that acquiring em-ployees with specific competencies in the case of Municipal and City Guards is currently one of the main challenges of the management staff of these organisations.

Implementation of the One-Stop Subdistrict Application (ASAKU) for Realizing Good Governance and Increasing Welfare Communities in Sidikalang Village

Local government agencies at the sub-district level are also instructed to optimize the use of ICT in e-government development. Local government at the Kelurahan level is the basic foundation of public services and is the gateway for administrative processing up to the higher government levels. So local government at the sub-district level must continually improve satisfactory and good public services. This service is a community need that must be met. The still manual service system in sub-districts is the main problem that leads to community dissatisfaction and discomfort. So the innovation solution offered is to develop an integrated system (one-stop application). One application includes all the necessary systems and can be run online. The urgency of using information technology for the one-stop village application (ASAKU) at the Sidikalang village office, not only has implications for the field of communication but also influences every decision-making through automation and speed in data processing which ultimately affects services) District Office. The ASAKU application has several main features: e-government, e-archives, and e-commerce. These digital e-government services help improve government performance. With the implemented e-government, the Sidikalang sub-district wants to provide services without the intervention of public institution employees and support good governance. Through e-ASIP, all data and documents can be managed well, safely, and protected from loss. In addition, ASAKU is also a forum for the community to market agricultural products and products from MSMEs as well as products from social institutions such as youth organizations and PKK. Combining service providers (kelurahan) and the community with the proper adaptation of technology can create effectiveness and efficiency in managing areas at the kelurahan level. The main objective of the activity is the implementation and application of ASAKU so that local government institutions at the sub-district level can provide better (effective and efficient) public services by providing convenience for the community so that they can realize good governance. With this service activity, the Sidikalang sub-district can provide more optimal services. The public can submit letters in the Sidikalang sub-district using the ASAKU application which can be accessed anywhere and anytime. So that in the end it can realize good governance and improve the community's welfare in the Sidikalang sub-district.

THE PRESENCE OF THE ROMANIAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media has transformed the way people aroun d the world communicate, and its use in different sectors of social life has steadily grown. Considering the success it enjoys among the general public, it is very likely to be used also in local public administration. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, blogs and many others have begun to be used as tools for communicating with citizens, with the aim of increasing the degree of information and interaction, on one hand, and, on the other, of making the act of governance more transparent. The present study intends to provide an assessment of the ways in which local government institutions use social media to communicate their actions.

THE ELOGE PROGRAMME AS ACCESS TO THE SELF- EVALUATION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES ACCORDING TO THE TWELVE PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE: THE CASE OF LITHUANIA

The problem of quality of governance is one of the most important issues raised nowadays by international and local organisations. In order to adapt to the rapid processes of globalisation and glocalisation, various methods are being sought to optimise forms of democratic governance in Western countries or among countries which are leaning towards the West. The aim of the article is to increase government accountability and responsibility, promote citizen involvement, and strengthen government-societal relations and trust. In order to achieve this goal, the European Union proposes to give more powers to local government institutions, because they are closest to the citizens, can more effectively assess their needs, and attain them more effectively. To achieve this goal, the 12 principles of Good Governance, recommended by the Council of Europe, are used, and ELoGE (European Label of Governance Excellence) is used as a tool to assess the existence of these principles in local government. The purpose of this article is to identify factors that determine the implementation of the principles in local government, and to ascertain the most important characteristics that would influence the implementation of Good Governance in local government, taking into account the ELoGE evaluation methodology.

Towards a Resilient Organization: Lessons Learned from the Oil and Gas Sector in Qatar

Organizational resilience indicates the capacity of an organization or a system to return to its steady condition, or exceed it, after going through a disruptive event that disrupts its steady condition. Qatar’s oil and gas sector has shown remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its preparedness and readiness to deal with such a disruption. As a lesson learned from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, local governmental institutions need to support national preparedness and resilience to handle emergencies and unpredictable crises by learning from the successful model of Qatar’s oil and gas sector. This study presents the key Resilience Engineering Indicators (REIs) that make this sector resilient and validates the six Resilience Engineering indexes or dimensions adopted, which include top management commitment, speaking up culture, learning, awareness, being prepared, and flexibility. The study evaluated the performance of these REIs using a 5-point Likert Scale survey questionnaire based on the relevance to resilience dimensions. The results show ten REIs contributing to the organization’s resilience and the top four most important Resilience Dimensions (RDs). Moreover, this is the first study to evaluate and assess the organizational resilience level in Qatar’s oil and gas sector. This study’s results can be integrated into different organizations’ strategies to improve the efforts to enhance the national response to disturbances in governance.

A Legal Analysis of Local Government Institutions in Bangladesh with Special Reference to Their Origin and Development

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