Local Government Level Research Articles

Local Government Internship: Opportunity or Exploitation?

Despite the evident increasing unemployment rates, particularly youth unemployment, the South Africa’s graduate labour force continues to grow. Recent studies show the devastating figures of graduate unemployment which grow alongside the overall unemployment rates in South Africa. Undoubtedly, unemployment mostly affects young graduates who recently graduated from higher learning institutions. Thus, internships are increasingly recognised as a bridge through which graduates can transition from higher learning institutions to the labour market. However, whether internships are good or bad for young graduates remains a debatable question. Therefore, this paper is drawn from the perspectives of young graduate interns to determine whether internship presents real opportunities for career development of young graduates or it is merely used as an exploitative tool by employers. This study adopted a qualitative approach where a total of thirty graduate interns from eThekwini Municipality participated in the semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The results indicate that most graduate interns viewed the local government internship programme as exploitative. Further results show that graduate interns are generally underpaid yet overworked in the local government internship. Workplace abuse and the lack of access to resources were reported as major challenges faced by graduate interns. These results symbolise the exploitative nature of internship programmes at the local government level. Therefore, this paper recommends appropriate systems, policies, and workplace rules to improve local government internships. 
 
 Received: 23 May 2023 / Accepted: 19 January 2024 / Published: 5 March 2024

Evaluating the current state of Digital Era Governance application in local government units in the Małopolska region

Abstract The study aims to determine the implementation degree of Digital Era Governance (DEG) in selected local government units (LGU) of Małopolskie Voivodeship and to show differences in the effectiveness of digitalisation in LGUs depending on the level of local government, i.e., the county and the municipality. The study employs a model of digital maturity intended specifically for public administration. This model assesses six dimensions of digital maturity, namely, digitalisation-focused management, openness to stakeholders’ (partners’) needs, digital competencies of employees, digitalisation of processes, digital technologies, and e-innovativeness. The study results indicate that the examined local government units in the Małopolska region suffer from a low level of digital maturity. In particular, the results show that the implementation of digital technologies and the digital competencies of staff are the most developed dimensions of digitalisation in the examined local government units. In turn, e-innovation and process digitalisation are the least developed areas and require further improvement. Additionally, digital maturity is lower at the municipal than county level. These findings confirm the thesis that New Public Management affects the development of local government and highlights the increasing role played by Digital Era Governance. In contrast to most studies on public administrations, this study focuses on the local government level. It employs the original model of digital maturity in the field of public administration. This study intends to contribute to the concept of Digital Era Governance by focusing on the digitalisation of LGUs.

A Review of Service Delivery at the Local Government Level in Nigeria: The Fiscal Federalism Dilemma

A Review of Service Delivery at the Local Government Level in Nigeria: The Fiscal Federalism Dilemma

Effects of multilevel governance on the design and implementation of sustainable mobility plans

Objectives: The polycentric nature of multilevel governance structures with multiple actors interacting at different levels can facilitate sustainability transitions. This study aims to explore the impact of multilevel governance on the design and implementation of sustainable urban mobility plans within the two-tiered government structure of Sweden. Methodology: The study is based on qualitative review of the academic literature, secondary sources including review of national policy documents and empirical insights drawn from the case study of Umeå, a medium-sized Swedish city which takes part in several national, local, and transnational initiatives to accelerate sustainability transitions. The empirical data is collected through semi-structured interviews with policy experts, policymakers, transport, and urban planners who are responsible for formulation and implementation of transport policies within national and local institutions. Results: The multilevel governance of transport and sustainable urban mobility policies in Sweden produces several positive effects for design and implementation of policies. These include clear division of responsibilities among public authorities at national, regional, and local government level which helps to overcome the problems such as lack of accountability and responsibility. Conclusions: Multilevel governance of sustainable urban mobility policies in Sweden enables local authorities to have access additional resources and knowledge exchange through networks consisting of various public and private actors.

Challenges and solutions for discharge support of elderly people in the acute care ward: Interviews with community-based integrated care supporters and patients in Tokyo, Japan.

Japan, which has become the country with the longest-living people in the world due to rapid population aging, has an insurer function for each local government and socialized long-term care under a public system. Japan aims to build a Community-based Integrated Care System (CICS) for each municipality with the goal of integrating medical care and long-term care. However, despite the policy and management studies, the challenges and solutions for discharge support by the parties have not yet been clarified. This study aimed to obtain suggestions on challenges and solutions for discharge support in the acute care wards for the elderly for community-based integrated care support providers and patients in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the obtained data were a priori analyzed by a deductive thematic analysis using a conceptual framework for integrated care based on the integrative functions of primary care. The challenges were found to include: i) disparity between medical and lifestyle perspectives, ii) competencies of medical and care workers at homes, iii) discharge support challenges related to the elderly themselves, iv) nursing care dependent on family; and v) the impact of payment of medical service in the health insurance system and payment of long-term care services. The solution that can be applied at the local government level was community connection. While aiming to build a CICS for each local government, there was a contradiction in that the challenges and solutions required examination at the national and prefectural levels.

An analysis of Nepal's federal health system in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Sustainable Development Goals

Nepal's public health slogan was 'Health for All' with integrated community health services in 1991. The female community health volunteer network was created. District Public health offices (DPHO) managed these programs in their districts. After 2008 federalism, 2017 brought federal, provincial, and local governments. The federal health system substituted the administrative District Public / Health Offices in districts. The local governments or health institutions now oversee the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The federal and provincial authorities should have employed qualified professionals to oversee public health at local health facilities. Healthcare efficacy and goal attainment are concerns today. This study did a microscopic investigation using health system studies. The researcher conducted field observations and stakeholder interviews and participated in public discussions. Data from Nepal's federal health system's community status was compared using SWOT analysis. The study delved into specific research gaps thoroughly. According to previous research, health infrastructure could be more effective with financial expenditures. A hypothesis was formed after comparing further information to domestic and international situations. The researcher emphasizes the need for good governance and suggests allocating 6% of national GDP to health spending, in line with WHO recommendations. To fulfil the needs of the healthcare sector, deliver quality medical services, and attain SDGs, it is imperative to ensure the presence of adequately trained health professionals at the local government level. The head of the local health institution must conduct administrative work connected to public health. Hence, public health-trained health staff are needed there.

Prospectiva territorial y la agenda 2030: Una fusión virtuosa para construir futuros

This work of reflection around the articulation of regional foresight studies and the 2030 Agenda, promoted by the United Nations Organization, through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It is based on a foresight experience developed in the Department of Guaymallén, Province of Mendoza, Argentina, proposed as a base study for the design of the municipal land use plan provided for in Law 8.051/2009. The article shows the general context for the design of planning instruments at the local level. Next, it presents the territorial dynamics considered most critical for the future to subsequently compare the desired scenario with the 17 SDGs. The research work included a bibliographic review of the main articulation proposals between regional foresight and the 2030 Agenda. Among the findings, the need to deepen the territorialization of the 2030 Agenda at the local government level stands out, and to anchor the planning processes for development, with a foresight vision of each SDG. Working on these concerns will allow the robustness of the foresight and its appropriation by the social actors of the territory.

Optimizing Public Service through Innovative Talent Management Strategies for Public Officials: A Case Study in the Riau Islands Province

Talent Management is a crucial element for public organizations, which includes absorbing, identifying, and retaining civil servants who have outstanding talents in each organization and make a significant contribution to the progress of public organizations to create excellent public services. A talent management model in the public sector, especially at the local government level, is needed because approximately 80% of civil servants are placed in the regions, and the dynamics of the bureaucratic environment are more dynamic and complex. The Riau Archipelago Province is one of the areas that has implemented a merit system, but the career pattern could have gone better. This study aims to analyze strategies for implementing Talent Management to accelerate bureaucratic reform and manage the capacity of civil servants in the Provincial Government of the Riau Archipelago. This research method uses a qualitative exploratory case study methodology. The results of this study show that the Riau Islands Provincial Government has not implemented Talent Management for civil servants by the mandate of the PAN RB Ministerial Regulation Number 3 of 2020, which is currently in the preparation stage of regulations in the form of a Governor's Regulation concerning the Management of Civil Servants Talents in the Islands Provincial Government Riau. Therefore, aspects of career development in the merit system must be a significant concern so that the Riau Islands Provincial Government can meet the desired targets.

Цифровое неравенство в системе местного самоуправления: понятие, критерии, пути преодоления

Introduction. Since the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries, all areas of social management, including public management, have been seriously influenced by modern digital technologies, which, on the one hand, create new opportunities to increase the efficiency of management activities; on the other hand, they pose certain risks, potentially provoking digital inequality. The article presents an analysis of the prerequisites and causes of digital inequality in municipalities. The criteria for such inequality are identified and generalized. An attempt was made to find out the attitude of local governments and citizens, living under digital lockdown, towards the digital transformation of public administration and local economy. Proposals have been made to level the digital divide in municipalities. Theoretical analysis. The problem of digital inequality has been the focus of attention of researchers for over 20 years. However, the scientific discourse on digital inequality is still fragmented: there is no universal interpretation of this phenomenon in the theoretical aspect; there are no uniform parameters for measuring it, and no algorithm for overcoming it has been developed. It is noted that approaches to understanding digital inequality and its consequences have undergone major changes: from unhindered access to the Internet to a person’s request to use digital resources, including those in the field of local government. Empirical analysis. The analysis of the legal regulation of digital transformation was carried out. As a result, it was concluded that flexible or “soft” legal regulation of the digitalization of public administration currently prevails. It is indicated that a special federal law regulating the process of digital transformation in the public administration system and in the local government system, respectively, has not been adopted in the Russian Federation. The criteria for assessing the digital inequality of Russian subjects, the possibility and feasibility of scaling them to the level of local government were analyzed. Results. Based on the results of the study, it is shown that at the local government level, digital inequality is an urgent problem that has a complex technological, socio-economic, socio-cultural and legal nature. It has been proven that there has been a transformation in the essence and understanding of digital inequality: from the problem of access to digital technologies to ensuring equal conditions for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights through such technologies, including the right to local self-government. A proposal for a special program approach has been made to overcome the digital divide in municipalities.

The Performance of Local Governments in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality of Syangja District, Nepal: An Assessment

Since the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the Constitution of Nepal 2015 has given the local governments a great deal of power and authority. Consequently, a lot of changes have been noticed in most of the local levels. The present study is about the performance level of local government of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality of Syangja District in Gandaki Province, Nepal. The main issues and objectives that encouraged this study are to identify the types of achievement the local government has made during its tenure from 2017 to 2022, and to explain how it has accomplished the performance. The government has carried out different development activities related to public goodness in the study area. The activities related to passing and enacting laws, and improving education, drinking water, health care, insurance, farming, roads, irrigation, job opportunities and people’s increased participation in decision-making level have been successfully implemented. The study demonstrates that the local leaders of this municipality have accomplished their tasks among the grassroots by encompassing inclusive development models. The findings of the study conclude that besides exercising democratic practice and democratic institutionalization, the local government has displays high level of performance regarding local development in this rural municipality, and this performance indicates the significance of empowering local levels in Nepal.

Local government stakeholders' perceptions of potential policy actions to influence both climate change and healthy eating in Victoria: A qualitative study.

Climate change is a defining public health issue of the 21st century. Food systems are drivers of diet-related disease burden, and account for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Local governments play a crucial role in improving both the healthiness and environmental sustainability of food systems, but the potential for their actions to simultaneously address these two issues is unclear. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Australian local government stakeholders regarding policy actions simultaneously addressing healthy eating and climate change, and the influences on policy adoption. We conducted 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from four local governments in Victoria, Australia. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. We applied Multiple Streams Theory (MST) 'problem', 'politics and 'policy' domains to explain policy adoption influences at the local government level. Key influences on local government action aligned with MST elements of 'problem' (e.g., local government's existing risk reports as drivers for climate change action), 'policy' (e.g., budgetary constraints) and 'politics' (e.g., local government executive agenda). We found limited evidence of coherent policy action in the areas of community gardens, food procurement and urban land use. Barriers to further action, such as resource constraints and competing priorities, could be overcome by better tailoring policy action areas to community needs, with the help of external partnerships and local government executive support. SO WHAT?: This study demonstrates that Victorian local stakeholders believe they are well-positioned to implement feasible and coherent interventions that address both healthy eating and climate.

Alcohol availability and affordability in three constituent entities of the Russian Federation

Aim. To analyze availability and affordability of alcoholic beverages in Russian cities.Material and methods. We assessed the actual state of urban infrastructure in the Arkhangelsk, Tver and Sverdlovsk regions. Data were collected in three districts of Arkhangelsk, three districts of Tver, three districts of Yekaterinburg and Revda, where participants of the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation-3 (ESSE-RF3) study (2021) lived. The study objects were elements of the city infrastructure where alcoholic beverages were sold. To assess the infrastructure, special software was developed to collect and analyze the necessary data using Open Street Maps. Data were collected from January to March 2022.Results. In total, 1180 alcohol-selling outlets were identified in the study areas: in Arkhangelsk — 450, in Yekaterinburg and Revda — 444, and in Tver — 286. Mainly alcoholic beverages in Sverdlovsk and Tver regions can be purchased in the alcohol section of a grocery store (n=260, 58,6% and n=185, 41,4%, respectively), and in the Arkhangelsk region — in a specialized liquor stores (n=263, 58,4%). The median number of alcohol stores located within a radius of 1000 m from the place of residence of the ESSE-RF3 participant was 33, and within a radius of 400 meters — 8. In Arkhangelsk, the alcohol was sold in a grocery store located in the same building as the college branch. In the Sverdlovsk region, the nearest alcohol store was located at a distance of 50 m from the kindergarten, in the Tver region — 44 m from the college. A 0,5 liter bottle of vodka was sold below the price floor in 55,1% of specialized liquor stores in the Sverdlovsk region and in 66,8% of such liquor stores in the Tver region.Conclusion. As a result of the study, availability and affordability of alcoholic beverages in Arkhangelsk, Tver, Yekaterinburg and Revda was assessed. The findings reflect the high availability of alcohol and indicate the need for interventions at both the national and local government levels. The used method of collecting and analyzing data demonstrated sufficient research effectiveness and can be recommended for wider use.

Theoretical principles of the study of agglomeration factors of the investment attractiveness of communities

Understanding the specifics of agglomeration factors is not just an academic exercise, but a crucial step towards forming an attractive investment climate in communities. In the face of globalization and intensified interregional competition, this understanding is paramount. Theoretical comprehension of these processes is not a mere intellectual pursuit, but a necessary tool to identify and analyze the mechanisms through which agglomeration influences investment activity and the economic efficiency of communities. This, in turn, will provide practical recommendations for optimizing management decisions at the local and regional levels of government. The importance of this research is further underscored by the need for local communities to adapt to changing external conditions, identify potential growth points, and form development strategies based on internal innovative resources and agglomeration advantages. The aim of this article is to analyze the theoretical foundations of studying the agglomeration factors of the investment attractiveness of territorial communities, with a clear focus on its practical implications. The article analyzes the theoretical aspects of the interaction between agglomeration phenomena and investment activity, considering the impact of scale, level of concentration, and specialization of production processes on regional economic development. Theoretical approaches to analyzing agglomeration factors are proposed, investigating their impact on economic development and the ability to mobilize investment resources within a specific territorial unit. The development of infrastructure capabilities, initiation of innovative clusters, and support for entrepreneurial activities serve as the main directions for enhancing the investment attractiveness of agglomerations. However, it's important to note that the process of creating urban agglomerations is not a simple task. It's a long-term endeavor that provokes debates and represents a significant level of complexity. It is determined that thanks to the agglomeration effect, regional development becomes more logical, focusing on a variety of economic activities in territories optimal for their implementation. Analyzing the level of development of urban agglomerations allows for a more targeted approach to planning their further development strategies, but it's a task that requires a deep understanding of the complex dynamics at play. Keywords: investment attractiveness, socio-economic development, agglomerations, agglomeration factors, territorial communities.

Sustaining a resilient housing system in southeast Queensland

ABSTRACT The Covid-19 pandemic added an additional layer of pressure onto an already stressed housing system in Southeast Queensland (SEQ). Housing is a complex system and we argue that thinking about the separate components of housing in isolation, we are unable to consider the resiliency of housing as a whole system. The purpose of this paper is to inform and help structure resilient housing policy and strategy development in SEQ. Using qualitative methodologies, data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with 18 participants associated with the housing sector in SEQ, during the pandemic period. Participants were invited from five groups: community, government, consultants, developers and peak housing bodies. We found that rather than relying on reactive mechanisms, there needs to be a commitment from governments to work with other sectors to strategically plan for proactive and resilient-led approaches and policies to prepare for shocks. There is an opportunity at local, state and federal level governments to learn from this study to better understand what makes a housing system more resilient.

SDG dilemma in local policymaking in Ghana: when ambition and reality collide

ABSTRACT How to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a dilemma for policymakers. While the broad SDG framework provides a comprehensive blueprint for development, implementing the integrated SDGs remains a challenge in many contexts, especially where resources are limited. Moreover, employing selectivity and prioritization in implementation presents the risk of overlooking the most transformative goals. This paper examines whether local practitioners in Ghana employ grafting and pruning techniques in SDG implementation and how this selectivity and prioritization impacts SDG outcomes. We adopt a qualitative approach to analyse SDG prioritization decisions at the local government level, where essential services necessary to meet SDG targets are delivered. Local practitioners indicate that while they aspire to implement an integrated SDG framework, their implementation reality, including inadequate resources and political pressure, compels them to prioritize. Thus, practitioners prioritize basic social and economic needs and capitalize on the linkages between the SDGs to achieve multiple objectives.

Stakeholder analysis for effective implementation of water management system: Case of groundwater charge in South Korea

Groundwater Charge was introduced in 2005 as one of the sustainable resource management measures in South Korea. The implementation rate, however, stagnated around 37 %, indicating that most local governments chose not to adopt this ‘optional’ regulation. While previous Stakeholder Analysis studies mainly blamed exclusion – or limited involvement – of stakeholders in the designing and structuring stage of policy-making process for policy failures, this study focused on the interest conflicts and dynamics hindered implementation process. This is because the issue with the subject policy, i.e., Groundwater Charge in South Korea, is low ‘implementation rate’ not the ‘collection rate’ or ‘tax deficit.’ If it was simply design or structural issue, the Charge should suffer from tax deficit problem due to lower tax income than operational costs. Thus, in order to investigate the reasons of low Charge adoption rate at the local government level, the Stakeholder Analysis Theory was applied to examine each stakeholder of the Charge to distinguish the interaction among supportive and opposing groups. The analysis revealed that there are only strong opponents of the policy without clearly identifiable supporters. Having agricultural & fishery industry and small independent businesses in spas, hotels, and swimming pool as strong Players, the Context setters (local governments) are not motivated to enforce Groundwater charge. Furthermore, today's social norm governed by economic efficiency is preventing the environmentalists and other Subjects to counteract Players. Under these circumstances, this study recommends the Subject to transform the Crowds (general public) into policy supporters through education. Environmental education is the only viable means to encourage necessary paradigm shift to enable effective implementation of environmental policies like Groundwater charge.

Merit System Innovation through the SIPINTER Application (Information System for Self-Assessment of Merit System Implementation) in Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the implementation and impact of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) management innovation carried out by the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN) through the SIPINTER application (Information System for Self-Assessment of the Implementation of the Merit System) and its relevance in achieving good governance in Indonesia. This study used a descriptive research method with a qualitative approach, and data were obtained from official sources such as the KASN website and online news. The theory used in this study is the Public Sector Innovation Typology theory from Halvorse et al. (2005), covering (1) Creation of new services, (2) Process innovation, (3) Administrative innovation that focuses on policy change, (4) System innovation, (5) Conceptual innovation, and (6) Radical change in rationality. The results of the study show that the application of information technology in ASN management through the SIPINTER application has increased transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of ASN management at various levels of local government. Future research can carry out the development of a sustainable strategy as an important step to realize the potential of this application in the implementation of a meritocratic system in all regional and central government in Indonesia.

Responsibility of the Inspectorate for the Prevention and Handling of Corruption Cases in the Region or Ministry: (Reviewed in accordance with Law Number 19 of 2019 concerning the Eradication of Corruption)

This research aims to determine the role of the Inspectorate in carrying out internal oversight as an effort to detect potential corruption at the regional level. Rampant corruption at various levels of local government necessitates an active role from internal oversight institutions such as the Inspectorate. The Inspectorate serves as the frontline in preventing corruption at the local level. Consistent and effective anti-corruption efforts by the Inspectorate can positively contribute to creating a government that is clean, accountable, and serves with integrity for the welfare of the community. The role of the Inspectorate in preventing corruption at the local level is crucial in ensuring the establishment of a clean, transparent, and integrity-driven governance. As an internal oversight institution at the local level, the Inspectorate plays several strategic roles that contribute to anti-corruption efforts. This research aims to analyze the methods and strategies employed by the Inspectorate in monitoring and identifying potential corrupt practices, as well as to analyze the impact of internal oversight effectiveness on corruption prevention at the regional level. The research methodology involves documentation analysis, interviews with Inspectorate officials, and surveys of opinions from relevant stakeholders. The results of this research are expected to provide a better understanding of the Inspectorate's role in combating corruption at the local level and offer recommendations for improvements in internal oversight implementation.

Analysis of barriers that affect the success of the “Zero Waste North Lombok” program

Waste management is a cross-cutting issue that is closely related to various global challenges. At the local government level, waste management services carried out demonstrate the sustainability of a city so that local governments are responsible for finding affordable waste management solutions with the least impact on the environment. North Lombok Regency has a waste management problem that results in the realization of its handling not reaching the target. To overcome the waste management problem, the local government initiated a priority development program "Zero Waste North Lombok" which is expected to address the existing problems. In the process, the implementation of the program has not run significantly. To support the achievement of the program, a study of the barriers to zero waste was conducted using the fuzzy DEMATEL method. This method is able to facilitate the identification of causal relationships between criteria assessed in complex systems so as to provide information on various perceptions for stakeholders. The 12 barriers identified were divided into two groups: influential barriers and receptive barriers. The influential barriers consist of lack of policies and regulations on waste, lack of cooperation among stakeholders, uncertainty about circular economy targets and strategies, and inadequate sanctions and fines. While the influential group of barriers consists of the barriers of lack of environmental awareness, inadequate recycling techniques, inadequate methods for sorting, transporting and recycling waste, lack of financial and economic assistance, lack of advertising and media coverage for waste management, lack of adequate areas for waste collection and sorting, lack of awareness about environmental protection and lack of temporary shelters. This group of influential barriers needs to be considered and addressed by the local government so that the goals of the "Zero Waste North Lombok" program can be achieved.

Quality Performance Leadership for Political Leadership at the Local Government Level in Nigeria: A Case Study of AMAC Abuja FCT

This study is of significant importance to academic researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, and delves into the impact of quality performance leadership on political leadership at the local government level in Nigeria. The focus is on the case of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Using the conceptual frameworks of transformational leadership, servant leadership, and performance management frameworks to inspire and motivate their followers to achieve extraordinary outcomes, serve their constituents and set goals, monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes to enhance local government accountability, transparency, and service delivery. Through a qualitative methodology, data was collected via interviews, observations, document analysis, and review of case studies to analyze information provided by participants. The findings revealed that effective leadership in the LGAs could lead to better policy formulation processes because the Chairpersons and their team understand the needs and dynamics of their communities. Such understanding leads to better service delivery, robust community engagement, diligent resource management, and proactive development initiatives tostimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for citizens living in the LGA. The study recommends implementing a comprehensive training and development program for leaders focusing on leadership skills, communication, and accountability. It also recommends leveraging and adopting emerging technologies to improve service delivery, and efficiency, and improve stakeholder engagement.