Local Government Efficiency Research Articles

Belediye Yönetimlerinin Gelir ve Harcama Politikaları Nasıl Olmalıdır?

Revenue and expenditure policies of municipal governments should be determined by taking into account the principles of sustainability, efficiency and justice of local governments. The main purpose of these policies is for municipalities to provide public services effectively and increase the welfare of the society. Revenue policies determine the resources that municipalities can use to meet their budget needs. These sources generally consist of local taxes, fees, transfers and other revenue sources. It is important that income policies are fair and burden different segments of society in a balanced manner. At the same time, a reliable basis should be created for budget planning and long-term investments by ensuring the continuity and predictability of revenues. Expenditure policies determine how municipalities will use these resources. Expenditures should be aimed at increasing the efficiency of municipal services. In this context, investments should be made in priority areas, projects that will increase efficiency should be prioritized and waste of resources should be prevented. In addition, spending policies should be transparent and shared with the public so that the society can receive the services they expect from municipalities and participate in management processes. In this study, the revenue and expenditure policies of municipalities were examined by comparative analysis method and some determinations were made about how the municipalities' revenue and expenditure policies would be. In this context, the revenue and expenditure policies of municipal governments should be regulated in a balanced and fair manner to meet local needs, ensure sustainability and increase social welfare. Correct implementation of these policies will strengthen the effectiveness of local governments and their trust relationship with the society. Key Words: Local Administrations, Municipalities, Revenue Policies, Expenditure Policies, Participatory Budget Jel Code: E62, H71, H72

Gobernanza electrónica como compleja alternativa de eficiencia administrativa en Gobiernos locales: revisión sistemática de literatura

Public administration, anchored in hierarchies and bureaucracies, demands the decentralization and modernization of activities and tools; therefore, the new information and communication technologies brought about by electronic governance play a crucial role in the analysis and delivery of government results. The purpose of this study was to comprehend the contribution of this governance in local governments through a systematic review of 22 investigations available between 2019 and 2023. This review was conducted using a qualitative approach and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart method. It was identified that regional and local governments within the Public Administration consider physical presence essential for making decisions, communicating information, and correcting failures, with the aim of maintaining government coherence. This approach emphasizes the importance of personalizing care and solutions to ensure equitable participation in state processes. The research revealed that electronic governance is crucial for improving the efficiency of local governments, highlighting the need for effective resource management and the essential role of managers in the implementation of effective and adaptive government practices.

Conflict or coordination? The cross-departmental interaction in local environmental governance of China

Organizational coordination has been regarded as a vital factor to determine the environmental governance efficiency of local authority, while existing empirical studies mainly discuss the vertical decentralization but largely ignore the horizontal cross-departmental interaction within single government. Based on the data of 31 Chinese provinces from 2003 to 2017, this paper uses a panel vector autoregression (PVAR) approach, two-way fixed-effect models and dynamic panel regression with system generalized method of moments estimation (SYS-GMM) to investigate the environmental strategic interaction between two representative departments (finance department and environmental protection department) within local governments. The results indicate, on the whole, their environmental governance strategies show a significantly co-directional coordination. However, the cross-departmental interaction obviously varied in different periods and regions (even showed as conflict sometimes), and was synchronized with the dynamic trade-off between economic and environmental targets of China. This research helps understand the inner logic of environmental governance of Chinese government, and can be valuable guidance for other countries to accomplish multi-departmental sustainable development goal.

The missing economies of density and south Australian local government efficiency

ABSTRACT Sound theoretical grounds exist to assume that economies of density will have pervasive effects on municipal service provision. However, to date the available empirical literature offers inconsistent and confusing findings on the potential impact of density. Moreover, the extant empirical evidence of substantial density economies is unconvincing. This paper investigates this apparent contradiction by addressing (a) significant non-monotonicity in density economies, (b) confusion over density economies through its disparate impact on various municipal activities and (c) underlying differences in how density affects different types of local council. These questions are investigated employing multiple regression analysis using a panel data set covering all 68 South Australian local authorities over the seven-year period from 2014 to 2020. We find evidence of economies of density across the entire data set. We infer that the measurement of population density imposes constraints on identifying density economies and the empirical methodology employed.

Work Environment and Job Performance: The Mediating Role of Office Ergonomics

This study aimed to address the influence of the Work Environment on employees’ health and safety, comfort, and task accomplishment by investigating office ergonomics as the possible underlying mechanism. The study was conducted in Dodoma City Council, specifically in the ward and Mitaa offices. Data were collected from 79 respondents through a questionnaire. Data were analyzed quantitatively using the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis, and the Sobel test was performed to assess if the mediator variable was significant enough to mediate the relationship between variables. The study has found that work environment and ergonomics have a linear and positive relationship (r = 0.5433, p < .0001). The results have also indicated that ergonomics is related to employee health and safety, comfort, and task accomplishment. The study revealed that most offices in lower local government authorities in Dodoma City Council need ergonomically designed chairs and tables, adequate quality air, and lighting. Inadequacy of these elements risks the office bearers' health and safety, comfort, and performance. Therefore, ergonomics should be a strategic aspect in enhancing work efficiency and productivity in lower local government in Tanzania.

Дослідження тенденцій соціально-економічного розвитку регіонів України

The article discusses the current trends in the socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine, which remains a critical problem, especially in the context of constant regional imbalances that impede the overall economic stability of the country. The decentralization process, which gave more autonomy to local governments, was expected to mitigate some of these imbalances. However, challenges such as the long-term war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and systemic infrastructure shortages have exacerbated the development gap between regions. Many regions continue to face obstacles related to investment attractiveness, innovation, and efficient use of resources, hindering their economic growth. Therefore, addressing these inequalities is essential to achieve sustainable national development and ensure social cohesion. The aim of this article is to analyze the main trends in the socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine and provide recommendations for addressing the existing challenges. The study aims to examine the factors that account for regional differences, assess the impact of decentralization reforms, and identify effective measures to promote balanced regional growth. The study also identifies critical infrastructure gaps that prevent regions from fully exploiting their economic potential. It is concluded that the achievement of balanced socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine requires purposeful State intervention and strengthening of interregional cooperation. The data obtained indicate the need to expand investment programs aimed at underdeveloped regions, improve infrastructure and support innovative industries. In addition, continuous optimization of the decentralization process is important, in particular in terms of increasing the transparency and efficiency of local governance. By focusing on these areas, Ukraine can reduce regional disparities, increase economic resilience, and promote sustainable, inclusive growth across the country. The article provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the current state of regional development in Ukraine and offers practical solutions for bridging the socioeconomic gap between regions.

Digital Transformation-driven Decentralisation of Public Governance

Decentralisation, also referred to as administrative decentralisation, has gained wide recognition as a governance model associated with efficient use of resources and innovative public service delivery. Thus, it is no surprise that many unitary countries and transnational governments have embraced this public governance model. Most recently, the discourse on decentralisation of public governance has become intertwined with digital transformation within the public sector. The rationale is that digital transformation was found to support the decentralisation of public governance, improving overall organisational efficiency and the creation of added public value for citizens. Based on a systematic literature review and fifteen semi-structured interviews with public sector experts, the paper discusses how digital transformation enables the decentralisation of public governance. Digital transformation supports public organisations’ efforts to gain the most out of public governance decentralisation as it improves the efficiency of local and federal governments, citizen participation, citizen empowerment, public trust, and continuance of public administration.

STRENGTHENING TRUST TO REINFORCE ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN MALAYSIA

This study explores the imperative of fostering Trust to enhance the organizational performance of local authorities in Malaysia. Recognizing Trust as a pivotal factor, the research delves into strategies for strengthening interpersonal relationships and institutional credibility. By addressing trust deficits, the study aims to provide actionable insights that can contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of local governance in Malaysia. The primary focus of this research is to put into practice the idea of Trust, precisely honing in on the effectiveness of local authorities (LAs) in Malaysia. In this instance, the study employs the Community Integrity Building (CIB) concept, emphasizing the pivotal roles played by community monitors, contractors, and LAs in collectively navigating toward improved performance. It offers a continuous feedback mechanism that enhances understanding and improves Trust in services provided by the LAs. The paper objectively explores the measuring of Trust, therefore linking the vacuum between conceptualization and realization, which is hardly seen in LAs. Finally, it concludes by reflecting some insights on the potential of the CIB approach regarding the trust agenda towards building a more progressive and dynamic new public management ecosystem in a Malaysian organization setting.

New way out of efficiency-equity dilemma: Digital technology empowerment for local government environmental governance

Getting out of the dilemma of incompatibility between efficiency and equity is an important goal of local government to modernize their environmental governance. Based on the theory of public value management, this paper constructs an analytical framework for digital technology enabled government environmental governance under the perspectives of efficiency, equity and coupling of the two, then empirically examines the impact and mechanism. The results show that digital technology can enhance efficiency and equity of local government environmental governance. Meanwhile, digital technology is an effective way to solve conflict between efficiency and equity values, but its green effect may be weakened in the short term due to uncertainty risks of internet. Education can strengthen green effect of digital technology, and digital dividend is especially beneficial when years of education has reached a certain threshold. In addition, there are heterogeneity and spatial correlation in digital technology to improve local government environmental governance. Finally, the results of mechanism test show that digital technology realizes enabling effect through three paths: industrial structure optimization effect, social public participation effect and innovation and entrepreneurship effect. The findings of this paper enrich research literatures on government environmental governance empowered by digital technology, and also provide useful references for formulation and implementation of government environmental policies under the new development pattern.

The constitutional nature of local self-government

The relevance of the study lies in the importance of the functioning of local self-government bodies for ensuring democracy in European countries. The purpose of the study is to examine the constitutional foundations of the institution of local self-government, and the task of the study is to analyse the role of the European Charter in this process. The following methods were used in the study: induction, deduction, and abstraction. The main conclusion of the study is to argue that the European Charter launched a local government reform aimed at improving the efficiency of local governments as an independent level of public authority, as close to the population as possible. However, today, municipal authorities in many countries are fundamentally different from those that were created in previous years. This is primarily due to the lack of the necessary amount of own revenues to enable them to exercise their powers independently. The majority of municipalities need government assistance and intergovernmental transfers. The need to control the expenditure of state budget funds has led to the main trend in the development of local selfgovernment in the Republic of Azerbaijan being its integration into the vertical of public power.

Local government efficiency and economic growth: The Italian case

This paper builds on the empirical literature that analyses the relationship between government efficiency and economic growth by investigating the link on a sample of about 3800 Italian municipalities. While the correlation has been explored at country or regional level, empirical studies at municipal or city level are virtually absent. This is a severe limitation given the numerous fiscal decentralization reforms that took place in many European countries over the last few decades aimed at increasing the autonomy and responsibilities of sub-national government. Estimation results show that government efficiency, when instrumented, is conducive for economic growth. The effect is larger for low populated municipalities, for those located in the South of Italy, and in more peripheral areas. Results are robust to alternative measures of efficiency and growth.

The Impact of Administrative Intensity on Financial Sustainability in Local Government: An Empirical Analysis of New South Wales

The Impact of Administrative Intensity on Financial Sustainability in Local Government: An Empirical Analysis of New South Wales

The impact of environmental tournament on CO2 emissions from the perspective of synergizing the reduction of pollution and carbon emissions

Synergizing the reduction of pollution and carbon emissions is the essential way for the construction of ecological civilization in the new era. Based on the panel data of 278 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2020, we study the effect of environmental tournament on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The results show that environmental tournaments have both effectiveness and limitations. The effectiveness is reflected in the fact that the environmental tournament is beneficial for the reduction of the pollution and CO2 emissions, and possesses a long-term effect. Green technology innovation, official promotion and foreign investment are identified as the main channels of influence. Moreover, the carbon reduction of the environmental tournament involves a positive spatial spillover effect, which means that the CO2 reduction can be radiated to the neighboring areas. However, environmental tournaments also have limitations. The results of the environmental tournament in the last year could bring pressure on cities to reduce pollution in the current year. The present study reveals a positive U-shaped relationship between the pollution reduction pressure and CO2 emissions. The pressure is beneficial to CO2 emissions reduction as the pollution reduction pressure is less than the extreme point; otherwise, CO2 emissions increase. The government's environmental attention strengthens the internal motivation of local participation in the environmental championship through policy orientation, and alleviates the negative impact caused by the limited nature of the environmental championship. The results of this study provide new ideas for improving China's environmental governance policy system and improving the governance efficiency of local governments.

E-governance and blockchain technology in local government

Purpose: One of the doctrines of New Public Management is increased efficiency and consumer satisfaction in local government. Implementing new technologies like digital administration and blockchain could be very helpful in achieving this objective. The article focuses on the usability of e-government as a management tool and the possibility of implementing blockchain technology in local government accounting. This re-search attempts to answer the following research question: What are local government employees’ perceptions of e-governance and blockchain technology? Methodology/approach: A survey was used as a research tool to determine the role of digital administration and blockchain technology in local government units at the community level. A questionnaire was emailed to all municipalities in Poland: rural, urban and urban-rural. Findings: The results of the research show that, in the respondents’ opinion, the use of e-governance in local government is very helpful in management. However, the use of blockchain technology in local government accounting is debatable. Research limitation/implications: This paper will be useful to academics and practitioners to enable an understanding of the problems associated with introducing and using new technologies in local government. The limitation of the research is that blockchain technology is new and, unfortunately, there are very few examples of its implementation by local governments in Poland. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the positive and effective implementation of blockchain technology by local governments. The article shows the point of view of local government officials, which is also a limitation of our research. Originality/value: The article makes an important contribution to the research on the use of new technologies in local government units. The research has made it possible to assess e-government as a tool for managing local government units and to present officials’ attitudes to the possibility of using blockchain technology in local government accounting.

New Public Management as a Function of Local Government Efficiency

No abstract available.

Performance evaluation of compulsory education system in Taiwan: A modified dynamic network data envelopment analysis approach

The purpose of this study is to examine changes in the efficiency of Taiwan's compulsory education system between 2011 and 2020, identify the priority school sub-system for improving the system, and determine the input/output inefficiencies responsible for the sub-system inefficiencies. To achieve these objectives, a modified dynamic network data envelopment analysis model is used to assess the efficiency of the compulsory education systems and their internal primary and middle school sub-systems regulated by local governments. The findings indicate that both primary and middle school efficiency are crucial for evaluating the compulsory education system efficiency, and teacher and staff excesses in most local government's compulsory education systems are the primary sources of inefficiency. Therefore, the prompt adjustment of teacher and staff allocation based on student numbers is the primary approach to enhancing system efficiency.

Spatial and Heterogeneity Analysis of Environmental Taxes’ Impact on China’s Green Economy Development: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Environmental taxation is an important tool used by governments to promote resource conservation and environmental protection. Given the current global constraints on resources and increasing environmental degradation, exploring how environmental taxes can effectively stimulate the development of a green economy is of utmost importance. This study utilized panel data from 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China, covering the period from 2006 to 2020. The research findings indicate a spatial correlation between environmental taxes and green economic efficiency in China, with the former significantly promoting the development of the latter. A heterogeneity analysis revealed varying impacts of different taxes on the efficiency of green economic development in different regions. Controlling for variables, the study results demonstrated a negative correlation between industrial structure and green economic efficiency, with a significance level of 1%. Additionally, no correlation was found between pollution control efforts and green economic benefits. The effects of different taxes on regional efficiency varied, and industrial structure exhibited a negative correlation with green economic efficiency. This study recommends strengthening intergovernmental coordination, improving tax policies, optimizing industrial structure, and enhancing the pollution control efficiency of local governments to promote China’s green economy.

A beta regression analysis of COVID-19 mortality in Brazil.

Brazil was one of the countries most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a cumulative total of nearly 700,000 deaths by early 2023. The country's federative units were unevenly affected by the pandemic and adopted mitigation measures of different scopes and intensity. There was intense conflict between the federal government and state governments over the relevance and extent of such measures. We build a simple regression model with good predictive power on state COVID-19 mortality rates in Brazil. Our results reveal that the federative units' urbanization rate and per capita income are important for determining their mean mortality rate and that the number of physicians per 100,000 inhabitants is important for modeling the mortality rate precision. Based on the fitted model, we obtain approximations for the levels of administrative efficiency of local governments in dealing with the pandemic.

Female presence in local government and cost efficiency: the case of Italian municipalities

ABSTRACT This paper investigates how female presence in political institutions influences local governments’ cost efficiency, implementing a one-stage stochastic frontier model, based on a panel of Italian municipalities, with municipal fixed effects. The empirical results provide significant evidence for the presence of a gender effect in politics: higher efficiency is observed in municipalities with a female mayor and a greater presence of women in their councils. Further, the gender effect is confirmed taking into account the regional perspective, that is, the historic North–South Italian dualism, and performing several robustness checks. The empirical results support the usefulness of policies aimed at favouring female empowerment and at promoting gender equality in politics.

Municipal Performance in a Network Structure of Financial Operations and Service Provision in the New South Wales Local Government

Municipal Performance in a Network Structure of Financial Operations and Service Provision in the New South Wales Local Government