Local Government Institutions Research Articles

Local Governance and Transformative Initiatives in Kumbo Municipality (Cameroon): 1977-2013

The study examines the pivotal role of local government in fostering transformative initiatives in Kumbo Municipality and their broader developmental impact. Despite numerous studies on local governance, there is limited established information on transformative initiatives. The study employs qualitative methods, including interviews and desk research. While acknowledging certain accomplishments in life-transforming endeavours, the paper contends that these achievements remain quantitatively inadequate relative to the pressing needs of the community, and the pace of progress is notably sluggish. The findings reveal that certain projects have proven ephemeral due to issues in conception, implementation, and maintenance. Additionally, the study reveals a significant gap between the idealized vision of decentralization enshrined in Cameroon's 1996 constitution and the reality on the ground, as local government institutions haven't been effectively empowered. Urgent reforms are imperative for local governance to catalyze positive change, necessitating a steadfast adherence to the autonomy principles articulated in the constitution. Only through such comprehensive reforms can local government evolve into an effective instrument for transformative development in Kumbo Municipality.

Proses Collaborative Governance dalam program Puspaga Balai RW di Kota Surabaya

Puspaga, an abbreviation for Family Planning and Family Welfare Service Center, is a counseling service program that involves various community groups. This program integrates the concept of collaborative governance at the RW hall level, involving residents, community leaders, local government and related institutions. This collaboration aims to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of the Puspaga program amidst the changing paradigm of active community participation in development. RW Hall, as a center for social and cultural activities, is key in creating an environment that supports and understands community needs. Collaboration between RW halls, local government and other institutions is expected to create a holistic and sustainable service model.

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.

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>

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.

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

.

Assessment of clean audit outcomes as an effective determinant of good service delivery: a case study of Midvaal Local Municipality

The Office of the Auditor-General in South Africa conducts audits of local government institutions, among other public-sector entities, to assess the current financial condition of municipalities and provide audit opinions for a certain fiscal year. Municipalities are obligated to maintain clean audits to avoid financial fines. However, the significance of clean audit outcomes lies in their ability to ensure successful service provision to the citizens. The Auditor-General's municipal audit findings reveal that several municipalities obtain clean audits, notwithstanding their inadequate performance in terms of service delivery. South Africa has a few municipalities that have successfully achieved desirable audit outcomes, with Midvaal Local Municipality being a notable example of consecutive clean audits. This study aims to evaluate whether the clean audit outcomes of Midvaal Local Municipality may serve as reliable indicators of effective service delivery within the municipality. The article utilizes a literature review and an online qualitative questionnaire survey with open-ended questions as approaches for collecting data. The article's findings highlight that the municipality has implemented effective management processes, also known as internal controls, which enable Midvaal to deliver services to its citizens in an effective and efficient manner. This management techniques may effectively determine the quality of service delivery within the municipality. They have a favorable impact on the municipality's financial viability, which directly results in clean audit conclusions.

Transformation of the Institution of Public power in modern Russia: advantages and disadvantages

The constitutional regulation of the institution of public authority, taking into account the amendments to the Basic Law in 2020, revealed a number of contradictions with the current legislation adopted subsequently. The levels (international, federal state, regional state and municipal) of the implementation of public power are highlighted and considered, as well as some problems related to both the composition of a unified system of public authorities and the possible negative consequences of the trend of its centralization. The necessity of responding to and including modern technological challenges in the sphere of activity of public authorities is shown. The subject of the study is the institution of public authority, the composition of a unified system of public authorities, legal relations developing within this system, as well as the impact of adopted constitutional amendments and modern challenges (globalization, digitalization, Internet technologies, etc.) on the transformation of the institution in question. The aim of the work is to identify contradictions in the legal regulation of the institution of public power, identify the levels and features of its implementation, and develop proposals to improve the effectiveness of the unified system of public power without prejudice to the institutions of federalism and local government. Material and methods. The study used the current Constitution of the Russian Federation, relevant federal legislation, as well as judicial practice - decisions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. The general (methods of analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction, system-structural method) and private (formal legal, comparative legal methods, method of generalization of judicial practice) methods of scientific cognition are used. The trend of increasing centralization of public power that has manifested itself at present can be justified to some extent by the current situation associated with unprecedented external pressure and the need for a certain consolidation of society and the state in the person of public authorities. At the same time, the state is called upon to distribute functions between levels of public authority in such a way that the rights of local self-government, as well as the principles of federalism and subsidiarity, which are either directly enshrined in the Basic Law or follow from its content, are strictly respected. The latter assumes the priority right of territorial units of the lowest possible level, with sufficient potential to solve specific tasks, to exercise powers on specific subjects of competence.

Employability of Biology Graduates of a State University - A Tracer Study

The study aimed to trace the employability and professional development of Bachelor of Science in Biology graduates of a state university in Central Luzon, Philippines. Quantitative research design was utilized in tracing the employability and professional development of the total 97 graduates of BS Biology from 2008 to 2019. The study found that most of the graduates were permanently employed in a local government institution, specifically in the teaching profession, which is aligned with the objectives of the program. They also pursued graduate programs to expand their knowledge and skills needed for their respective careers. Graduates of the program were also satisfied with their current jobs and least likely to resign. Moreover, the study implied that the undergraduate program is relevant to the occupation of the graduates, especially for those who pursued careers in educational settings. The BS Biology undergraduate program of the state university contributes in the development of essential professional skills and competencies which are useful and relevant to the current job of its graduates.

DETERMINANTS OF AUDIT AND FORENSIC ECONOMIC EXAMINATION IN THE SYSTEM OF FINANCIAL CONTROL OF LOCAL BUDGETS

Strengthening the fight against economic crimes and fraud in local budget institutions requires improvement of financial control. The article is devoted to the issue of ways and content of introduction of audit and forensic economic examination tools into the internal control system. The research method chosen was an empirical assessment of the state and prospects for improving the control system through a questionnaire. The structure of the questionnaire included grouping of questions into four sections. Questions of informational nature are included in the first section, characteristics of internal control and audit are included in the second section of the questionnaire. The third section contained the issues of contact with external control and audit institutions, and the fourth section assessed the potential capabilities and intentions to use internal and external audit tools and forensic economic expertise. The quality of the survey was ensured by its preliminary pilot testing. The selection of respondents from local government institutions in the five oblasts ensured representation in the survey. Technically, the questionnaire was distributed through open official work emails of representatives of institutions using Google form, which ensured open distribution and anonymity of responses. The paper analyses the results of the responses, which showed the state of the internal control system and the directions of its development. The study provides a comparative assessment of the state of the internal control system and the availability of internal audit services in local self-government institutions. The publication considers the results of questionnaires on the state of interaction between local self-government institutions and external auditors in terms of audits of annual financial statements and consulting. It also identifies the extent of the need to supplement the internal control system with external audit tools. The author identifies differences in assessments of the needs for interaction with external auditors and forensic experts, and substantiates the directions for improving the internal control system of local budget institutions. It was also suggested that the effectiveness of control in preventing, detecting and combating fraud should be strengthened based on foreign experience of cooperation with external auditors and forensic experts.