Modern Government Research Articles

A review of research literature related to the modernization of social governance

With the emergence of new situations in China's economic development, the overall domestic and international situation has become complex and volatile. The risks and contradictions affecting social harmony and stability are increasing, making the task of social governance more arduous and onerous. The modernization of social governance at the municipal level is not only an inherent part of the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity, but also a positive response to economic development and social changes during the social transformation period. This article systematically reviews relevant literature on the modernization of social governance, laying a foundation for in-depth research on the modernization of social governance.

Village Organization and Sustainable Growth of Farmers’ Income: An Empirical Study Based on Dynamic Survey Data of the Labor Force in China

Common prosperity is the core goal of rural revitalization, and the sustainable growth of farmers’ income is an inevitable requirement. This study uses CLDS2014-2018 village- and family-level questionnaire data to reveal how the degree of village organization affects the sustainable growth of farmers’ income, thus providing a reference for local government decision-making to promote the increase in farmers’ income and narrow the income gap at the village level. The results show that the degree of village organization can significantly affect farmers’ income, and the analysis results of the degree of formal organization are consistent with this. Specifically, for every 1% increase in the degree of village organization, the per capita household income will increase by 0.324%, among which, the wage income will increase by 0.226%, the operational income will increase by 5%, the property income will increase by 0.008%, and the transfer income will increase by 0.042%. The estimation results obtained by using instrumental variables are consistent, and the results are robust. At the same time, improving the degree of village organization can also significantly increase the proportion of farmers’ non-agricultural income and narrow the income gap among farmers. On the impact of heterogeneity, it was found that the geographical distance between villages and county and township governments, as well as the political identity and education level of farmers, will affect the role of the degree of organization. The results of the mechanism analysis show that improving the degree of village organization is mainly achieved by promoting the circulation of agricultural land, socializing the service of agricultural machinery, and providing industrial and commercial capital to the countryside to increase farmers’ income. The research revealed that the modernization of rural governance should be accelerated and the degree of village organization should be improved, especially the degree of formal organization, so as to build benign trust and a cooperative relationship between village committees and villagers and implement policies and measures that improve the income of farmers according to local conditions. At the same time, this will strengthen the publicity and education of party members to improve the proportion of rural party members and the education level of farmers.

Digital Leadership: Its Influence on Driving Digital Policy Adoption in the Public Sector

This study examines the pivotal role of digital leadership in driving government transformation. By leveraging advanced data analytics, governments can formulate more predictive policies and anticipate future challenges. Digital services enhance efficiency, accessibility, and transparency, fostering trust in government institutions. However, successful digital transformation hinges on effective leadership. Digital leaders possess the skills to navigate complex digital environments, cultivate digital mindsets, and identify opportunities. This research explores the competencies required for digital leadership, including data analytics, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Furthermore, it investigates the impact of digital leadership on policy adoption, service delivery, and organizational culture. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study contributes to the understanding of how digital leadership can accelerate government modernization and improve public service delivery.

The Role of Traditional Leaders in Local Governance: A Case Study of Jambi Province, Indonesia

Indonesia's decentralized governance system provides space for the integration of traditional leadership into local administration. This study examines the role of traditional leaders in local governance within Jambi Province, Indonesia, investigating their interactions with the formal public administration system, influence on policy implementation, and contribution to community development. This qualitative study employed a case study approach focusing on three districts in Jambi Province with varying degrees of adherence to traditional customs. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with traditional leaders, government officials, and community members. Archival research, including local regulations and policy documents, supplemented the primary data. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns. Traditional leaders in Jambi continue to hold significant influence in local communities, particularly in rural areas. Their roles encompass conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and advocacy for community interests. While their authority is not formally recognized within the modern administrative structure, they play a crucial role in mediating between communities and the government. The study found varying degrees of collaboration and tension between traditional leaders and government officials, depending on factors such as the leaders' individual personalities, the prevailing cultural norms of the community, and the specific policy area in question. The findings highlight the complexities of integrating traditional leadership into modern governance systems. While traditional leaders can contribute valuable local knowledge and legitimacy, their involvement can also pose challenges to bureaucratic procedures and accountability mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of recognizing and accommodating traditional authority while ensuring transparency and adherence to democratic principles.

Tradition and innovation: The dual nature of institutional thinking and its implications for modern governance

Institutional thinking, a concept that underscores the importance of internal perspectives and the enduring purposes of institutions, plays a critical role in maintaining societal stability and ethical governance. This paper explores the dual nature of institutional thinking, highlighting its positive aspects and inherent dangers. Through an examination of economic, political, and philosophical forces, the paper identifies modern challenges that undermine long-term commitments and ethical values within institutions. By drawing on historical and contemporary examples, including slavery, Nazism, and discriminatory practices, the discussion provides a comprehensive understanding of how institutional thinking can both promote human well-being and perpetuate systemic issues. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need to reaffirm institutional values, promote long-term thinking, and balance individual rights with collective responsibilities to harness the positive aspects of institutional thinking while mitigating its risks.

Future-Ready Governance: Technology as a Catalyst for Change in India

This paper explores the transformative role of technology in modern governance in India, highlighting its impact on transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement. With the advent of digital tools and platforms, the Indian government has embarked on numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing public service delivery and strengthening democratic processes. This study examines key technological interventions, such as e-governance initiatives, data analytics, and mobile applications, and their implications for policy-making and public administration. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in the Indian governance landscape, offering recommendations for leveraging digital innovations to foster inclusive and accountable governance.

Democratic leadership in the Batak Tribe: lessons from Customary Law for modern governance

The main aim of this research is to explore and analyse leadership in the very democratic Batak tribe in Indonesia from the perspective of Batak customary law. The research method used is normative juridical legal research with a qualitative descriptive analysis method approach and also uses an existing conceptual approach model on leadership to then generate new ideas. as well as processing primary data and secondary data. The findings of this study are that the leadership style resulting from Machiavelli's political philosophy tends to be expensive, and there is a political dowry. Then, leadership in the Trias Politics conception tends to manipulate and abuse power such as corruption, tyranny and dynastic power. As a result, gave birth to leaders who behave like immoral wolves, homo homini lupus. On the other hand, the leadership style of the Batak tribe from the perspective of Batak customary law tends to mean maintaining harmony, which is a noble cultural value in terms of organizational leadership related to social relations, a well-organized organization and power distributed evenly. Thus, it is hoped that this study will be useful for the government, legislators and other stakeholders to use as an idea and reference approach in making efforts to choose a harajaon leadership based on dalihan natolu, which is a medium that contains objective legal principles based on kinship, brotherhood and cooperation by the mandate of paragraph IV of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.

Strategic Management for Sustainable Growth of Nahdlatul Ulama among Nahdliyin

This research explores the strategic management practices of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining its traditional religious values. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with key organizational leaders and members involved in strategic roles. The findings highlight that NU employs collaborative leadership, decentralization, and adaptability to integrate traditional values with modern governance, ensuring relevance in a globalized society. However, challenges arise in balancing innovation with the preservation of religious identity, particularly within the pesantren system. Internal resistance to change and navigating global complexities are key obstacles. Overall, NU’s inclusive management and adaptability support its sustained growth, though maintaining this balance remains a central challenge.

Intelligent vs. Cultural: Research on the Path to Improve the Resilience of Urban and Rural Community Governance Based on the AHP-FCE Model

Community resilience is a core component of grassroots governance modernization, and community resilience shows different characteristics depending on the type of community. Existing research on community resilience mainly uses direct questionnaire data, relatively ignoring the differences in weights of various dimensions. Different categories of community resilience components play different roles in community resilience. Based on this, the study cited the logic of the AHP-FCE model and added objective data based on empowering resilience, thus making up for the model's shortcomings while giving full play to the model's advantages. The quantitative analysis of 353 questionnaires from five urban districts and five rural communities in the sample city was based on the community resilience evaluation model. In the current process of community resilience construction, there are typical problems of a lack of cultural resilience in urban community resilience construction and a need for more intelligent resilience in rural community resilience construction. The key to future community resilience construction is reconciling the relationship between cultural and intellectual resilience to solve the problem of targeting deviation in urban communities and rural community resilience construction. It is necessary to adhere to the spirit of "long-term construction" to build the cultural resilience of urban communities, implement the path of "digital empowerment" to make the intelligent resilience of rural communities, and adhere to the standard of "complete redundancy" to form an urban and rural community resilience governance mechanism gradually, and then Move towards more resilient urban and rural community governance and help realize the modernization of grassroots governance.

Integration of Local Wisdom and Modern Policies: The Role of Traditional Village Government In The Implementation of Sasi In Maluku

This study aims to analyze the role of traditional village governments in implementing sasi in Negeri Lima, Leihitu District, Maluku, particularly focusing on the integration of local wisdom with modern policies in managing natural resources. Sasi, a traditional resource management system, has long been practiced in Maluku but has evolved alongside modern government policies and contemporary challenges. This research employs a qualitative method, with data collected through observation and in-depth interviews. The findings reveal that traditional village governments play a crucial role as intermediaries between local communities and modern policies. In Negeri Lima, the implementation of sasi is managed more systematically due to strong collaboration between traditional institutions, such as the Kewang, and local government policies. This integration enables more adaptive natural resource management, including boosting the economic value of local commodities like nutmeg and coconut. The study concludes that the role of traditional village governments extends beyond merely preserving traditions; it also involves innovating in sustainable natural resource management. This research offers a fresh perspective on how local wisdom can be preserved through the synergy between tradition and modern governance.

Транспарентность и политические риски: вызовы и перспективы для российской государственной системы

The article analyzes the problems of political risks and transparency of state power, paying special attention to domestic and foreign research in this area. The author points out the insufficient systematization and understanding of political risks in Russian science. Special attention is paid to the concept of transpar-ency as a key principle of the functioning of modern government. The article examines examples of legal regulation of transparency in countries such as Australia, the Netherlands and New Zealand. The author emphasizes the importance of creating a balanced system where transparency must be combined with the need to protect national security. In addition, the article discusses the problem of "double standards" in international politics, considered as an instrument of information warfare and a means of manipulating public consciousness.

FROM DISCRETION TO EXPERT JUDGEMENT: RECASTING SEDIMENTED CONCEPTS IN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

Abstract This article re-examines the traditional account of administrative decision-making under wide conferrals of statutory power. The received wisdom in such cases is that public officials exercise “discretion”, usually defined as freedom of choice. Based on a doctrinal study of the English planning system and related case law, this paper contends that the notion of discretion as choice obscures one of the defining characteristics of modern government. That is, the making of public decisions tackling practical problems with intelligent and expert judgement under legal standards set out in legislation and further developed by the courts. More widely, the paper discusses the foundational role of tacit knowledge and decision-making expertise in public administration.

Shaping governance through social media: A review of Chinese government strategies and public engagement (2013-2023)

This systematic literature review employs the PRISMA framework to assess the literature of Chinese government social media (GSM) from 2013 to 2023. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines bibliometric and content analysis, this review investigates the evolving use of GSM in China. The bibliometric analysis reveals significant trends in research focus and methodologies over the decade, indicating a shift towards more qualitative and mixed-method approaches as the complexity of digital governance increases. Content analysis further delineates these findings into specific themes: governance strategies and implementation, technological evolution, and the audience. Through the examination of these themes, the review highlights how Chinese GSM has been strategically used to foster a more transparent and engaging government presence online, facilitating improved public services and citizen involvement in governmental processes. This study also incorporates a brief cross-analysis to explore the interactions between different research dimensions, offering nuanced insights into the dynamics of GSM applications. This research underscores the critical role of social media in shaping modern governance, suggesting that ongoing technological adaptation and strategic communication are essential for enhancing public engagement and trust in the context of China. The findings advocate for continued research and policy development to leverage the potential of GSM fully, ensuring that digital governance strategies remain responsive to technological advancements and evolving public expectations.

The Influence of Sustainable Risk Management on the Implementation of Risk-Based Internal Auditing

Risk management exerts a significant influence on the competitiveness of an organization and its operational processes. It presents opportunities for expansion, foresight, and the need to promote sustainability. Many organizations have executed comprehensive risk management processes. Moreover, internal audit has increasingly attracted managers’ attention, forming the basis of modern governance methods. The aim of this study is to examine, from the viewpoint of the agency, the impact of the role of internal auditors, training in risk management, and management support on risk management. Following this, the work examines risk management in terms of the risk-based auditing implementation that is performed by Saudi public organizations. This study encompassed 234 completed and therefore valid questionnaires from the manager and assistance of the internal audit department, internal auditors, accountants, and managers employed in Saudi public organizations. The data collected have been analyzed utilizing Smart Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS). This study’s findings confirmed that there is a significant association between the role of internal auditors in risk management, training in risk management, and between management support and risk management. There is also a significant association between risk management and the implementation of risk-based internal auditing. This study’s findings have significant ramifications for those in charge of public-sector organizations, and sustainability, aiming to enhance the dependability and trustworthiness of the internal audit process and other aspects of financial reports and audits in general. Currently, there is a dearth of published research on the factors that influence risk management and also on risk-based internal auditing. This study contributes to the emerging literature on this subject by examining Saudi public organizations; it also establishes empirical variables through a thorough review of relevant research. Conducted here is an empirical investigation that identifies the factors that affect risk management and then its influence on risk-based internal auditing implementation in the economic system of Saudi Arabia. By focusing on Saudi public organizations, this article highlights other countries that have similar systems of governance rules and procedures in their government-operated entities.

The Relationship between Information Technology and the Modernization of the National Governance System

Currently, a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation is emerging. New-generation information and communication technologies, such as big data and artificial intelligence, evolve rapidly and profoundly impact economic and social development. They provide strong momentum for the modernization of national governance systems and capabilities. As an emerging governance resource, big data holds vast potential for promoting the modernization of national governance systems. It can enhance the decision-making level of governance, awareness of data openness and sharing, capabilities in public service, and risk management. Artificial intelligence presents opportunities for building a modern national governance system, facilitating precision, intelligence, and efficiency. National governance should seize the development opportunities of information technology, increasing its contribution to building a modern governance system.

Breaking All the Rules: Information Technology Procurement in the Government of Canada

AbstractThe Government of Canada has recently faced intense parliamentary and public scrutiny of the role played by private contractors in its information technology (IT) projects, most notably in the case of the ArriveCAN application. With these ongoing investigations as its backdrop, this article analyzes patterns in federal government IT procurement between 2017 and 2022, drawing on a comprehensive analysis of the federal contracting open dataset. We reveal that the federal government betrays accepted best practice in modern government IT procurement on several key dimensions, including on contract values and lengths; on the diversity of suppliers; on the source of IT expertise; and in the management of intellectual property. We argue that the Canadian approach to IT procurement is an historically overlooked but crucial driver of its failing digital reform efforts. We conclude by turning to IT procurement policy reforms gaining traction outside Canada that may help the Government of Canada improve how it buys and deploys IT going forward—a task we argue is essential if the government wants to avoid future IT contracting scandals and deliver on its long‐standing promise of digital era modernization.

‘Chifley spells security’: Tracing the Origins of Contemporary Australian Security Discourse

Strong claims have been made about the significance of the concept of security in modern governance. The study of security has developed from its post-1945 focus on the state’s role in securing the population from external threat to include broader and critical perspectives, which seek to embed the concept of security in its cultural and historical contexts. This article traces the origins of contemporary security culture in Australia to the first half of the twentieth century. It examines the concept of security from debates about the provision of national insurance and the amelioration of the suffering of the Great Depression to the Curtin and Chifley Labor governments’ postwar reconstruction program in the 1940s. The article argues that the origins of national security culture in the present lie in mid-twentieth-century debates about the role of the state in securing the population from economic deprivation, unemployment and ill health.

Is return on investment the appropriate tool for healthcare quality improvement governance?

PurposeIn this article, we outline our views on the appropriateness and utility of Return on Investment (ROI) for the evaluation of the value of healthcare quality improvement (QI) programmes.Design/methodology/approachOur recent research explored the ROI concept and became the genesis of our viewpoint. We reflect on our findings from an extensive research project on the concept of ROI, involving a multidisciplinary global systematic literature review, a qualitative and Delphi study with mental healthcare leaders from the United Kingdom National Health Service. Research participants included board members, clinical directors and QI leaders. Our findings led to our conclusions and interpretation of ROI against the broad QI governance. We discuss our views against the predominant governance frameworks and wider literature.FindingsROI is in-line with top-down control governance frameworks based in politics and economics. However, there is evidence that to be of better utility, a tool for the assessment of the value of QI benefits must include comprehensive benefits that reflect broad monetary and non-monetary benefits. This is in-line with bottom-up and collaborative governance approaches. ROI has several challenges that may limit it as a QI governance tool. This is supported by wider literature on ROI, QI as well as modern governance theories and models. As such, we question whether ROI is the appropriate tool for QI governance. A more pragmatic governance framework that accommodates various healthcare objectives is advised.Practical implicationsThis article highlights some of the challenges in adopting ROI as a QI governance tool. We signal a need for the exploration of a suitable QI governance approach. Particularly, are healthcare leaders to be perceived as “agents”, “stewards” or both. The evidence from our research and wider literature indicates that both are crucial. Better QI governance through an appropriate value assessment tool could improve clarity on QI value, and thus investment allocation decision-making. Constructive discussion about the utility and appropriateness of ROI in the evaluation of healthcare QI programmes may help safeguard investment in effective and efficient health systems.Originality/valueThe article raises awareness of QI governance and encourages discussions about the challenges of using ROI as a tool for healthcare QI governance.

Innovative strategies and forward thinking on China’s digital maritime law enforcement

In the digital era, the limitations of traditional maritime law enforcement models have become apparent. China actively promotes digital maritime law enforcement and has conducted thorough exploration across policy, technology, and legal domains. The primary legal foundation is the Coast Guard Law, bolstered by policy initiatives like the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road”, the “Maritime Community with a Shared Future” strategy, and the “Technology Empowers the Marine” plan. By coupling law and technology, China’s digital maritime law enforcement has innovatively established a three-dimensional enforcement model of “online + offline” at sea. It utilizes artificial intelligence to assist in maritime law enforcement decision-making, employs big data sharing for collaborative maritime law enforcement, and advances maritime compliance enforcement by digital technology. Through case analysis and effectiveness assessment, China’s digital maritime law enforcement has yielded significant results. Nonetheless, it also encounters various challenges, including data privacy infringement, cybersecurity attacks, the legitimacy of digital evidence collection, and data sharing barriers. Therefore, at the institutional level, standardizing digital maritime law enforcement procedures and establishing both horizontal and vertical coordination mechanisms are imperative. At the technical level, introducing privacy protection technologies and increasing investment in network security technologies are necessary. At the conceptual level, China should adhere to data ethics principles and strengthen awareness of open data sharing. The future of the oceans is digital, and China should advance the modernization of national maritime governance through digital maritime law enforcement.

The impact of digital tax administration on local government debt: Based on the revision of the tax collection and administration law

Digital transformation of tax administration, a crucial source of government fiscal revenue, enhances tax collection efficiency and compliance, reduces tax evasion, and increases fiscal revenue, thereby providing more stable funding sources for local governments. This study examines the relationship between digital tax administration and local government debt, using data from Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2009 to 2021. The findings indicate that digital tax administration significantly reduces the level of local government debt. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact is more pronounced in the eastern regions and areas with higher levels of informatization. This study aims to provide new perspectives and approaches for the digitalization of tax administration and local government debt management, thereby promoting the modernization of tax governance and the healthy development of local finances.