Local Government Administration Research Articles

CSR practices in human capital management in local government administration on the example of Staszów county in Świętokrzyskie voivodeship

ObjectivesIn recent years, there have been a number of initiatives to promote the social responsibility of public administration. The concept has largely become recognized in the central administration, but it is different at the regional or local administration level. Thus, the purpose of the study is to identify, review CSR activities and assess the extent of their application in the area of human resources management in local government units, i.e. at the local level. An indirect goal of the study is also to promote the idea of social responsibility among representatives of regional and local administrations.Material and methodsThe purpose of the research was to identify and review CSR activities and assess the extent of their application in the area of human capital management in local government units at the local level. The research was conducted using a structured interview with municipal managers (mayors, secretaries of municipalities) according to a prepared interview questionnaire.ResultsThe research identified CSR practices used by municipalities in the area of human capital management. These were mainly related to organizing working time, integrating employees, building ethical standards, and spreading preventive health and healthy lifestyles.ConclusionsIn the surveyed municipal offices, practices were identified that can be categorized as activities within the framework of social responsibility of administration, mainly in such areas as work organization, integration of employees, building ethical standards or spreading preventive health and healthy lifestyles. 5. CSR activities undertaken in offices also testify to the growing awareness of local government management of the importance of the human factor for the efficiency of the entity, as well as the influence of employees on its performance.

Efficient Service Delivery Practice at Local Government Administration of Nepal

This paper investigates administrative service delivery practices in Nepal’s local government and the relationship between governance, service delivery, and citizens. And, it emphasizes collaboration, people-centric social development, and engagement high lighting the need for policy interventions. Public administration aims to achieve efficiency at local levels providing necessary services without discrimination based on affordability. It is a historical perspective expected to influence local people significantly. Using a qualitative approach, it reveals the satisfaction of local people with the efficiency of administration, the vision of leadership for efficient administration, and interpersonal communication adopted by leadership for addressing silo mental problems. However, gaps exist in knowledge and perceptions among people and societies. To achieve efficiency at all levels, it is necessary to provide necessary public goods and services without discrimination based on affordability. Performance should not only be a cost-benefit analysis but also provide value to citizens. In a scarcely available world, understanding efficiency’s historical perspectives and future role is crucial.

The efficacy of Merit-based Recruitment in Amolatar district in Northern Uganda

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the success of merit-based recruitment in Amolatar District Local Government Administration, Uganda. Methodology: A case-study research design was adopted backed by quantitative and qualitative analysis that involved a careful and in-depth investigation of a particular unit or events under study for the purposes of generalization. It was conducted in Amolatar District. We chose this area because merit-based recruitment had failed as a result of weak decision-making processes by the district service communion and the influence-peddling by political leaders in the district. We took a sample of 60 respondents and interviewed 52 respondents living within the District Headquarters and in Amolatar Town Council. Findings: The results revealed that the success of merit-based recruitment in Local Government Administration is very essential in terms of stakeholder responsibility, enhancing citizen confidence in the local government institution, and enabling the district service commission to recruit the best human resources for the provision of quality service. Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study is central as it strengthens the merit-based recruitment model over and above other models of recruitment as well as enabling local governments to prioritize meritocracy over political patronage in every staff recruitment cycle.

A Framework for the Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Interoperability for Open Data Ecosystems Development

The generation of social and economic value from the vast quantities of data opened by governments has been much lower than the initial expectations. It requires the development and cooperation of ecosystems composed of various public, private, and non-profit actors. For the development of these ecosystems in order to generate social and economic value from open government data (OGD), necessary conditions are, on the one hand, the availability of a critical mass of OGD and, on the other hand, the existence of some level of homogeneity and interoperability among the numerous portals and websites providing them, which enables their combined exploitation that increases the potential for value generation from them. This paper focuses on the latter and develops the Technical, Semantic, Legal, and Organizational (TSLO) Interoperability Framework, a conceptual tool designed to provide a structured multi-dimensional assessment of the interoperability capabilities of OGD infrastructures, based on the ‘European Interoperability Framework’ (EIF) as well as relevant OGD literature. This TSLO framework has been applied for the assessment of the above main dimensions of the interoperability of the OGD infrastructures of the Greek local government administration institutions of all three layers (decentralized, regional, and municipal). After this application, nine interviews were conducted with nine municipalities that do not provide OGD in order to gain a deeper understanding of the reasons for this. The results of this first application of TSLO revealed not only the low participation of Greek local government institutions, and especially of the municipalities, in the OGD movement (with only 8 out of the 332 municipalities providing open data on their portals or websites), but also the inconsistent implementation of this, especially with respect to the use of semantic technologies as well as the legal frameworks under which the open data are provided, resulting in low levels of interoperability among them. The interviews that were conducted revealed that the opening of some of their data was not a priority for them, as their limited resources had to be used for the development of internal information systems for increasing their efficiency, as well as e-services for the citizens, enabling them to conduct transactions electronically (through the Internet). Our study makes a contribution to the still limited body of research on OGD ecosystems, examining an important precondition for their development that has not been researched in previous literature; also, our framework can contribute to the increase of interoperability of OGD infrastructures and therefore to the increase of social and economic value generations for the OGD they provide.

Dynastic Politics in Regional Elections: Challenges to Democracy and the Need for Legal Reform in Indonesia

Dynastic politics, practiced by certain groups of individuals with kinship ties or close relationships, dominate political positions in regional head elections and local government administration processes. This phenomenon persists due to the lack of concrete regulations, thereby normalizing it as a political practice in Indonesia. This study aims to elaborate on the facts surrounding dynastic political practices, examine how such practices undermine the democratic ideals envisioned by the people, and propose prospective regulatory frameworks to address this issue. The research employs a normative juridical method with statutory, historical, and conceptual approaches. The findings reveal that dynastic political practices harm the democratic system and tend to be more formalistic rather than providing a genuine opportunity for the people to elect leaders aligned with their will. To prevent such practices in the future, the government, the legislature, and election organizers must collaborate to formulate concrete regulatory norms in the Regional Head Election Law.

Цифровизация местного самоуправления — «новая» демократия?

The article presents the author’s opinions on the impact of digital transformation of public administration in general and local government in particular on citizen participation in local community affairs. It is proposed to distinguish between “electronic democracy” and “electronic participation”, and the position is expressed that traditional and digital democracy have a common constitutional and legal nature, characterized by target and functional unity, but differ in technological methods of expressing will and communication. One of the key factors influencing the conditions for using digital technologies in the process of formation and activities of local government bodies is trust. Based on sociological research data, it was revealed that at the local level, ensuring trust has certain specifics, which are proposed to be interpreted through territorial identity.

Harnessing traditional institutions for sustainable leadership and good governance in Nigeria

The subject of traditional institutions cannot be undermined in the project of sustainable leadership and good governance in Nigeria given the locus and crucial role of the institution in the past and modern Nigeria. It is incontrovertible that traditional and aboriginal values are held highly with reverence and respect in virtually all parts of Nigeria. To discountenance their relevance will be too costly in any leadership-cum-governance discourse. Towns, villages and cities were duly recognized and protected as the harbingers of culture, mores, norms and values. The contemporary government structure in Nigeria duly recognizes the importance of traditional institutions by having a Commission for Local Government (LG) and Chieftaincy Affairs at all State levels. Moreover, 5% of allocations to LGs go statutorily to the tradition institution in the State. Hitherto, the recklessness and abuse of the native authority system of local government administration in the 1950s–60s had led to the moderation and reforms of the system, which has continued to affect traditional institutions to date. To this end, the paper argues that traditional institutions hold so much values and cohesive practices as well as socially integrative potentials for nation-building so much that the State can leverage on them for sustainable leadership and overall good governance. The methodology adopted for collecting data for this study is descriptive research method, which relies on primary direct observation (eye-witness) account and relevant secondary materials such as texts, journal articles, official documents and internet materials. The data collected were analyzed and presented using thematic analysis and tables. National and international data already analyzed were found essential to drive home the argument of this study. The outcome of the paper provides useful information on how traditional institutions serve as a veritable platform for sustainable leadership and good governance in Nigeria. The paper concluded that traditional institutions, with its rich culture, values and practices, possess sufficient merits to propel the country towards sustainable leadership that would concomitantly induce economic, technological and political growth in Nigeria.

The Relevance of Islamic Values in the Martabat Tujuh Constitution: A Study of the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Civil Servants

This study examines the cultural concepts within the Martabat Tujuh Constitution of the Buton Sultanate in conjunction with Islamic principles and their relevance to government administration. The objective is to assess the relevance of Islamic valuesfor local government administration, particularly the code of ethics and conduct for civil servants. The literature review analyzes the revelant textual sources to identify the Islamic values embedded in the Martabat Tujuh Constitution and their application in governance. The study found that the Islamic values reflected in the Martabat Tujuh Constitution are relevant to the code of ethics and conduct for civil servants in government administration. The implementation of these Islamic values can help prevent corruption and other types of ethical miscoduct in government. By integrating the Islamic values of the Martabat Tujuh Constitution civil servants can implement a well-rounded code of ethics and conduct and support ethical governance

Gender Pedagogy: Developing Champion Educational Leaders in East Africa

Purpose: This study explored the landscape of educational leadership development in East Africa. It investigated its ability to equip leaders with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to promote gender-responsive and inclusive practices. Methodology: Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study collected data through surveys, interviews, and document analysis across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The participants included educational leaders, local government authorities, and other stakeholders. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses were performed. Findings: The findings are as follows: Effective sensitization meetings foster shared understanding and ownership of gender-responsive initiatives, and teacher colleges can play a vital role by offering targeted training. Some knowledge gaps exist, necessitating targeted training of educational leaders and Local Government Administrators on gender responsiveness and inclusion. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: The study recommends establishing multi-stakeholder collaboration and dialogue platforms and designing context-specific sensitization meetings tailored to local communities and leaders. Furthermore, strengthening college support through targeted training and programs focused on gender-responsive leadership and pedagogy is necessary. Additionally, investment in training to address knowledge gaps and equip leaders with the necessary skills and tools to facilitate collaborative action research and knowledge sharing for continuous learning and improvement. By implementing these recommendations, East Africa can cultivate a generation of educational leaders who champion gender equality and inclusivity, creating more equitable and transformative learning environments.

Public entrepreneurship, municipal performance, and political capacity's moderating role in Niger state

Purpose – This study investigates the moderating role of political capacity (PC) in the relationship between public entrepreneurship (PE) and local government performance (LGP) in Niger State, Nigeria, using structural equation Modelling (SEM).Methodology – This study is a quantitative research based on a sample of 1,396 employees from four local government areas in Niger State, Nigeria. A non-probability sampling method was utilized, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 17 to obtain descriptive statistics, perform a normality test, assess factor loadings, and conduct correlation and SEM analyses.Findings – The analysis revealed that the mean values of public entrepreneurship, political capacity, and local government performance were low. The SEM analysis found that political capacity significantly moderates the relationship between public entrepreneurship and local government performance and establishes a direct relationship between public entrepreneurship, political capacity, and the performance of local governments.Implications – This study suggests that political capacity should be considered in the administration of local governments, as it can lead to more effective management of municipalities.Originality – No previous research has explored the relationship between political capacity, public entrepreneurship, and local government performance using SEM in the context of local government administration.

FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL AUTONOMY: ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION VERSUS ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ABIA STATE & 35 ORS (2024)

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) serves as the foundational legal framework for governance in Nigeria, delineating the structure and functions of government at various tiers. General Background: Recent Supreme Court rulings concerning local government autonomy have intensified debates about the nature of Nigeria’s federal structure, particularly regarding whether it constitutes a two-tier or three-tier system. Specific Background: This article critically examines the constitutional provisions that govern local government administration and the legislative authority of State Houses of Assembly, focusing on the implications for Nigeria's federal architecture. Knowledge Gap: While existing literature has addressed aspects of Nigeria’s federalism, there remains limited analysis of the constitutional recognition of local government as a third tier and its dependence on state legislatures. Aims: The objective of this study is to elucidate whether the Nigerian Constitution endorses a two-tier or three-tier federal structure and to assess the implications of recent judicial decisions on local government autonomy. Results: The findings indicate that the Constitution acknowledges a three-tier federal system, with local government councils—despite being the closest to the grassroots—remaining under the legislative control of the states. Novelty: This research contributes to the discourse on Nigerian federalism by highlighting the unique characteristics of local governance within the constitutional framework. Implications: It is recommended that the 1999 Constitution be amended to establish local governments as a fully independent third tier, eliminating their reliance on state governments, thereby enhancing local governance and accountability.

Political Dichotomy and Disciplinary Processes of Employees in Local Government Administration, A Case of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, in Mopani District of Limpopo Province in South Africa

Political dichotomy in the disciplinary processes of local government employees has significant implications for governance and service delivery. This study focuses on the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, to explore how political affiliations and influences shape disciplinary outcomes. Using qualitative research methods, including interviews and document analysis, the study uncovers the extent to which political considerations override procedural fairness, leading to inconsistent disciplinary measures. The findings emphasize the need for depoliticized disciplinary frameworks to enhance administrative efficiency and integrity in local governance. Political patronage and interference have been shown to affect employee morale and organizational culture negatively. In the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, specific cases of political favouritism and bias have resulted in either undue leniency or harsh disciplinary actions. This study contributes to the understanding of the intricate relationship between politics and administration, highlighting the detrimental effects of political influence on the principles of accountability and transparency in local government. This research is unique in its detailed case study approach, providing a micro-level analysis that offers insights into broader national and regional trends in local government administration. It also proposes practical recommendations to mitigate political interference in disciplinary processes. By ensuring fair and consistent application of disciplinary procedures, local municipalities can improve service delivery and foster a more positive work environment.

The Effect of Local Government Characteristics on GRDP in Indonesia during the Pandemic Period

This research aims to analyze the influence of local government characteristics, specifically Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), on Indonesia during the pandemic. Economic growth is a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as outlined in point eight of the 17 SDG goals. The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted local government administration, leading to a decrease in regional income in some regions of Indonesia. This research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing multiple linear regression analysis for the analysis. The results reveal that the variables of area size and the number of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) do not have a significant impact on economic growth in Indonesia. In contrast, the variable of Regional Original Income (PAD) demonstrates a significant influence on Indonesia’s economic growth. Moreover, when considered simultaneously, the area size, the number of OPD, and PAD collectively exert a significant impact on the economic growth in Indonesia during the pandemic. These findings suggest that local governments should allocate greater efforts and resources to foster economic growth, recognizing it as a crucial element for achieving the SDGs in Indonesia. Keywords: economic growth, local government characteristics, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Smart Practice of Integrating Administrative Management and Human Resources of Chinese Local Governments under the Background of Digital Transformation

Local Chinese governments face a challenge in improving the efficiency and quality of services provided during administrative management in the digital transformation era. The present study identifies three prime drivers for integration—technical, organisational efficiency, and policy support. Finally, it runs the hypotheses through the structural equation model for 133 data points from the questionnaire prepared for the local government administration. Superior integration is primarily contributed to by as discussed, technical support, organisational efficiency, and policy suit will improve effective management and organisational efficiency while reducing the cost and time required for integration; policy support will ensure legal compliance and standardisation. The study also finds that by adopting these factors, local governments can foster efficient and speedy integration of administrative management and human resources. These findings provide practical guidelines for the effective application of digital technology, organisational design, and public policies that promote innovation and sustainable development in public administration. It is necessary to investigate the particular technological approaches and multi-faceted methods for improving organisational performance in various digital contexts.

How to Conserve the Biodiversity on Collective Land in National Park: Conservation Easements in China

Conservation easements (CEs) are used as a conservation mechanism to conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem on private land, and are receiving increasing attention around the world. Most of the literature mainly focused on the contribution of CE to private land conservation in the U.S. and other countries, while its role in collective land conservation remains underreported. China planned to build the world’s largest national parks (NPs) and faced the conflict between nature conservation and social development. As a private and voluntary conservation tool, CEs have the potential to fill the conservation gap, reduce conservation costs, promote adaptive management, and incentivize sustainable national park construction. We reviewed the recent CE practices in Qianjiangyuan, Wuyishan and Nanshan National Parks. The local government and NP administration drove its practices in China’s NPs, whereas non-profit organizations have few opportunities to participate. Furthermore, due to the current legislation’s lack of explicit specifications regarding CEs, the provisions outlined in the CE agreement were insufficiently constructed and did not align with the unique circumstances of the park. Thus, the implementation of the National Park Act serves as a fitting means to introduce the CE in China.

Participation of City Communities in Paying Land and Building Taxes in the Rural and Urban Sectors (PBB-P2)

Land and Building Tax (PBB) has an important role in supporting the development and administration of local government. However, low community participation can hinder the achievement of the maximum potential of this revenue source. This study aims to analyze the factors that cause the unoptimal participation of urban communities in the payment of Land and Building Tax (PBB) in Kuningan District. This research method uses a qualitative approach with descriptive research type. Data collection techniques were conducted through field studies with interviews, which were supported by data analysis. The research location is in Kuningan Sub-district, Kuningan Regency. The results of this study identified socio-economic, administrative, and psychological factors and found regulatory factors to be the cause of low community participation in PBB payments. This research also provides recommendations regarding efforts that need to be made to optimize the level of urban community participation in PBB payments in Kuningan Sub-district.

The Role of Financial and Non-financial Performance of Local Governments in Enhancing Regional Autonomy in Indonesia

Regional autonomy is a crucial factor that can support the financial sustainability of local governments. This research aims to assess how financial and non-financial performance influence regional autonomy in Indonesia. Through purposive sampling, data were gathered from Indonesian Local Governments between 2016 and 2018, resulting in a sample size of 1555 observations. Multiple linear regression was used for Hypothesis testing. The findings of this research suggest that both the financial and non-financial performance of local governments play a positive role in enhancing regional autonomy. Local governments that have high-quality financial reporting and good governance performance tend to have a higher level of regional autonomy, compared to those with poor-quality financial reports and governance performance. This is inherently connected to the effectiveness in managing local own source revenue (PAD) and is reinforced by strong public confidence and engagement in tax payment and regional retributions, as well as other PAD sources. The findings of this study have implications for the importance of improving the quality of financial management and the administration of local government functions to increase regional autonomy and simultaneously realize the financial sustainability of local governments. Therefore, local governments should manage resources efficiently, transparently, and accountably. Keywords: performance, financial management, implementation of regional government functions, regional autonomy

Improving The Quality Of Catchment Area Model Public Services Based On Governance 4.0

This research is to examine Public Service Improvement using the Cathcment Area model based on governance 4.0. The implementation of e-government has experienced challenges since the growth of the industrial era 4.0. The development of technology is so rapid and unstoppable. Digitalisation is starting to enter the cracks of our daily lives. The Catchment Area perspective in this study is an important factor to see the efficiency and effectiveness of services to the community in local government administration based on governance 4.0. The research locus is Sidoarjo Regency. This research uses a qualitative approach. Research focus (1). Identifying factors that affect service quality. Research Results: factors that can affect the catchment area include the function of the region on the condition of the regional economy and also the national economy which is unique in nature, tax sources that can be explored potentially and in real terms to be able to achieve balance between various regions, the efficiency and effectiveness of services to the community in an area that is seen based on the optimal area for the service itself, participation that can be achieved effectively and mutual supervision between citizens and local bureaucracy.

Implementasi Kebijakan Pemerintah Desa dalam Pencegahan dan Penanggulangan Stunting di Desa Gondosuli, Solo, Jawa Tengah

Implementasi Kebijakan Pemerintah Desa dalam Pencegahan dan Penanggulangan Stunting di Desa Gondosuli, Solo, Jawa Tengah

SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: POLITICAL PATRONAGE VERSUS MERIT SYSTEM ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ANALYSIS VOSVIEWER

It is important to improve the public sector with recruitment rules that aim to improve public services by minimising political interests and patronage practices. The purpose of this study is to examine the development of the application of the merit system in the prevention of patronage practices in local government. Bibliometric analysis using VOSViewer. The literature review in this study provides an overview of the improvement of the public sector from the perspective of the merit system, taking articles in the period 2013-2023. The results obtained in this study are the prevention of patronage practices with the merit system in local government administration successfully implemented in Indonesia, namely in the cities of Medan, Deli Serdang and DIY, while in other countries it was successfully implemented in the African state of Nigeria, the merit system is used to prevent political patronage in the public sector by ensuring the acceptance of competent employee candidates, and reducing the influence of political patronage that previously hindered the development of public services and justice.