Public Governance System Research Articles

Using management control to understand public sector corporate governance changes

PurposeWithin the context of recent post-localism developments in the English local government, this paper aims to show, first, how management controls have become more enabling in response to changes in rules of public sector corporate governance and, secondly, how changes in management control systems gave rise to new corporate governance practices.Design/methodology/approachTheoretically, the paper mobilises the concept of enabling control to reflect on contemporary changes in public sector corporate governance. It draws on the International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) and Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) new public sector governance and management control system model and data gathered from a longitudinal qualitative field study of a local authority in North East England. The field study used interviews, observation and documentation review.FindingsThis paper suggests specific ways in which the decentralisation of policymaking and performance measurement in a local authority (present case) gave rise to enabling corporate governance and how corporate governance and management control practices went some way to aid in the pursuit of the public interest. In particular, it shows that the management control system can be designed at the operational level to be enabling. The significance of global transparency for supporting corporate governance practices around public interest is observed. This paper reaffirms that accountability is but one element of public sector corporate governance. Rather, public sector corporate governance also pursues integrity, openness, defining outcomes, determining interventions, leadership and capacity and risk and performance management.Practical implicationsInsights into uses of such enabling practices in public sector corporate governance are relevant for many countries in which public sector funding has been cut, especially since the 2007/2008 global financial crisis.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the concept of enabling control into the public sector corporate governance and control debate by fleshing out the categories of public sector corporate governance and management control suggested recently by IFAC and CIPFA drawing on observed practices of a local government entity.

In search of smart public governance: the case of Lithuania

Faced with rapidly changing economic and societal pressures and complex public policy problems, governments must respond proactively to new challenges. It is just one of the characteristics of being smart. This article analyses the recently introduced concept of smart public governance, a concept that requires better conceptualization. This article defines the characteristics and criteria of smart public governance and suggests an instrument for its assessment. Piloting of the methodology at the central government level in Lithuania suggests that the Lithuanian system of public governance cannot yet be considered a smart social system. Some characteristics of smartness are already well expressed, and some positive examples do exist. However, smart public governance is not yet a part of Lithuania’s government culture. Points for practitioners The article advances the concept of smart public governance by discussing and refining key dimensions of this construct and attempts to operationalize these dimensions and various sub-dimensions using empirically testable indicators. To demonstrate the potential of the proposed framework, we present empirical results based on an expert survey of top public executives in Lithuania. These results, first, provide a theoretically grounded assessment of smart public governance within the Lithuanian system of central government and, second, point to those areas of public governance that need to be strengthened.

Leadership competencies for effective public administration: a study of Indian Administrative Service officers

ABSTRACTPublic administrative service occupies a strategic position in the public governance system of any nation. Contemporary public administration needs competent public managers who are able to make sense of the ambiguity inherent in the job. This study presents an attempt to identify important competencies needed for public administrators (specifically District Magistrates in India, a peak leadership role in the public service). Based on focused-group discussions and a survey of 218 Indian Administrative Service officers, the study identified eight competencies, namely people first; leading others; integrity; decision-making; planning, coordination and implementation; problem-solving; self-awareness and self-control; and innovative thinking. The eight competencies were further clubbed under four meta-competencies, namely stakeholder analysis and decision-making, managing change and innovation, team building and positive administrator personality. A detailed description of the behaviours included within each competency and meta-competency is provided. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Certifying the sustainability of biofuels: Promise and reality

While liquid biofuels play a prominent role in sustainable energy goals, the relationship between their ability to advance sustainability agendas and their governance has been poorly addressed. The recognition of a number of private sector initiated certification schemes as mechanisms to verify compliance with the requirements of the EU-Renewable Energy Directive has provided a strong stimulus for biofuels certification. The question asked in this article is: "To what extent does the application of these standards effectively contribute to the sustainable production of bioenergy?" The question is answered on the basis of a conceptual framework and literature review. Three elements of the effectiveness of market-based certification standards are reviewed: the substantive scope of emergent standards, the effectiveness of implementation, and levels and trends in market conversion. The proliferation of certificates for low quality standards, deficiencies in the certification process and low market conversion suggest that certification is an inadequate substitute for public regulation. For certification to hold any meaningful potential to strengthen sustainability governance in the biofuel sector, it must be embedded within a public governance system committed to redressing these deficiencies and structuring accountability not just towards global environmental values, but to local people and place.

Russian Governance Changes and Performance

The article analyses the system of public governance in Russia, including two main sub-divisions of reforms, namely, civil service reform, and administrative reform. The authors examine the principal historical stages of both reforms as the parts of the Russian system of public governance evolution. The configuration of main actors of Russian governance reforms and of government–market relations are presented. The paper focuses on generalising some major characteristics of the administrative mechanisms of governance in Russia as the complex and interlinked entities. Some key elements of Russian governance reforms are described, including organisational aspects of civil service, optimisation of the functions and structure of the executive bodies, implementation of results-based management mechanisms and improvement of the regulatory system, public services delivery, one stop shop procedures, E-government.

E-GOVERNMENT: WAY OF MODERNIZATION AND EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT OF PUBLIC GOVERNANCE

Introduction. The article focuses on the problem of modernizing public governance through integration of e-government into the public governance system of the Russian Federation. Conceptual and legal basis of e-government, key areas for modernizing and improving the public governance through information technology, and the e-government infrastructure are examined. The experience of implementing e-government in the Russian Federation over the past decade shows that the principles of the Western model cannot be fully applied in the country. In addition, among the political, social and economic issues related to implementation of e-government in Russia, there are those that sometimes complicate the use of e-government in our country to the fullest. However, tremendous work has been done to integrate key e-government solutions into the system of public governance. The analytical, methodological and organizational work has already significantly improved the efficiency of public governance, through the implementation of innovative approaches. Many of the target indicators have already been achieved, a number of others in the short term will reach the levels defined in regulatory legal acts. Theoretical Background . The main theoretical methods of the present study are the plan-fact comparative analysis of transformation of public governance based on digitalization, identification and resolution of the contradiction related to the integration of information-communication technologies in public governance system. We initiate a broad discussion of the evolution of administrative models from conventional to digital platform in the Russian Federation. We will consider the current stage of development of public administration systems, its levels, capabilities and methods through the prism of: - technological dimensions of e-government; - pitfalls of the digitalization of public governance; - - challenges to the public governance in the future. In a world characterized by rapid changes which are caused by globalization, the knowledge economy creates opportunities for both the society and the state. Results. The arguments for improvement of public governance for citizens led governments of different countries to the need to develop the information society based on the core infrastructure – the e-government. It is uneven but objective process. Discussion . The trend of reforming and modernizing the system of public governance began to rise in many countries. The performance of the state's activities can be measured by the quantity and quality of the goods and services provided for its citizens. Many countries around the world are striving to revive the new system of public governance, based on the principles of proactivity, transparency, accountability and efficiency. In order to meet these goals, governments are implementing innovations into their organizational structures, strategies and plans and their methods of using human, information, technological and financial resources.

From Competition and Collusion to Consent-Based Collaboration: A Case Study of Local Democracy

ABSTRACTThe high distrust in political institutions and a growing sense of powerlessness among many citizens suggest that prevailing democratic governance systems lack a capability for collective dialogue and learning. The key thesis here is that public governance systems can benefit from organizational arrangements informed by circular design. A case study conducted at a Dutch municipality illustrates how principles of circular design served to enhance the city council’s role of orchestrator of civil participation. This case also illustrates how a local democracy, which has long suffered from majority–minority ploys and voting schemes, can be transformed into a consent-based culture of collaboration.

The Construction of Governmental Governance Ability of Network Public Opinion in the Era of Big Data

In today's era of big data, the governance ability of network public opinion as one of the governmental governance abilities also facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Starting from the point of the current governance status about the government network public opinion and analyze the existing problems in the construction of network public opinion governance ability about the government. By way of exploring the changes in the governance idea about the government departments and the innovation of the governance platform as well as the further optimization of the network public opinion governance system to put forward effective suggestions about it. Meanwhile, by means of scientific and reasonable redesign of the process about network public opinion governance to strengthen the governance thinking of the network public opinion and improve the governance ability of the government, in which can also provide reference to the construction of the service-oriented government.

Public Health Genomics: the essential part for good governance in public health.

Public Health Genomics: the essential part for good governance in public health.

Gap analysis between provisional diagnosis and final diagnosis in government and private teaching hospitals: A record-linked comparative study.

Aims:1. To identify the extent of clinical gaps at the context of knowledge, practice and systems. 2. To formulate necessary intervention measures towards bridging the gaps.Settings and Design:Comparative, cross-sectional and non-interventional study.Methods and Material:It is retrospective, record-based study conducted upon inpatients (n = 200) of major disciplines of two teaching hospitals. Major outcome variables were to observe the matching and un-matching of final and provisional diagnosis by using ICD-10 criteria.Statistical Analysis Used:Comparative analysis of specific and selective gaps were estimated in terms of percentage (%).Results:Pilot observation showed the existence of gaps between provisional and final diagnosis in both private and government institution. Both knowledge and skill gaps were evident in caregivers and gap in documentation was existent in medical records.Conclusions:The pilot data is may be an eye-opener to public and private governance systems for understanding and revising the process service planning and service delivery. Necessary intervention measures may be contemplated towards enhancing diagnostic skill of doctors for quality hospital care.

Preparing Indian Administrative Service Officers for Public Service: A Competency-Based Approach

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) occupies a strategic position in Indian public governance system. In this paper an exercise has been undertaken to identify the key competencies that are nee...

Національні консультативно-дорадчі органи у системі публічного управління у сфері науки та вищої освіти

Предметом дослідження у статті стали організаційно-правові засади функціонування найвищих консультативно-дорадчих органів у сфері вищої освіти і науки, які створені при центральних органах публічної влади в Україні та деяких країнах Європи. Мета статті: на основі національної нормативно-правової бази Польщі, Чехії, Угорщини та Німеччини проаналізувати модель формування та функціонування національних дорадчих органів у системі управління наукою у цих країнах як суб’єктів вироблення національної наукової політики. Зокрема розглянуто місце у системі публічного управління таких інституцій: Національна рада науки та вищої освіти Польщі, Комітет наукової політики Польщі, Рада з питань досліджень, розвитку та інновацій Чехії, Національна Рада досліджень, інновацій та наукової політики Угорщини, Німецька наукова рада тощо. Доведено, що консультативні органи є елементом системи публічного управління та суб’єктом вироблення національної наукової політики. Вони сформовані у демократичний спосіб відповідно до принципів розподіленого врядування та, переважно, інституційного представництва. У статті проаналізовано деякі аспекти концепції створення Національної ради України з питань розвитку науки і технологій, закладеної у Законі України «Про наукову і науково-технічну діяльність», зокрема у контексті аналогічних європейських організацій. Розгляд концепції створення Національної ради України з питань розвитку науки і технологій з урахуванням адміністративно-управлінських ризиків може бути застосований під час імплементації Закону України «Про наукову і науково-технічну діяльність».

Factores Clave en la Gestión de Tecnología de Información para Sistemas de Gobierno Inteligente

The actual dynamic of cities establishes new challenges for public governance systems. An important challenge for governments is to design and implement innovative strategies of interaction and communication with citizens trough of the technology in order to achieve improve- ment in the delivery of sustainable, effective and efficient services by ensuring the integrity and building trust to improve the relationship between citizens with the state and the implementation of smart government initiatives is one strategy valid in this context. This article identifies, introduces and analyzes the key factors in the management of Information Technology (IT) taking into account the challenges and current challenges facing the territories when setting goals for smart governance.

New public governance in Saudi cities: An empirical assessment of the quality of the municipal system in Jeddah

This paper explores attitudes among citizens and public sector officials in Jeddah city regarding the quality of the municipal system in accordance with aspirations for New Public Management efficacy and a public governance system that functions with efficiency, effectiveness and democratic values. This investigation reveals that, although various aspects of politico-administrative reform have altered the configuration of public management, the essential characteristics of good governance remain unassessed. The state administrative system has not been consolidated, nor has organizational effectiveness been improved. In order to confront challenges created by public sector agencies, we must identify factors that may encourage its promotion. Significant attention should be paid to establishing an appropriate institutional framework to create coherent governance legislation that supports the establishment of enduring democratic values. This should be employed to generate the general capacity and competence of public bodies, and to encourage government officials to act as catalysts to create an integrated form of governance bringing integrity and improvements in public institutions, with high quality municipal services.

Good Governance with Chinese characteristics: A perspective of China's Socialist Model

Since the 1990s, scholars around the world have focused on the complexities of governance reforms. The vicissitudes of the 21st century witnessed global waves for public administration reforms. China, a fast developing socialist country, has been building a strong, robust and modern public governance system. The Socialist Governance of China with Chinese characteristics brought considerable changes in the political, economic and social spheres, transforming the lives of people for betterment. By bringing about economic development through state intervention, introducing rule of law upholding the significance of its people, fostering new ideas, and ushering the ideology of nationalism through “China Dream”, President Xi Jinping and his socialist governance policies have created an excellent example in the world, particularly the capitalist society, demonstrating how society can be developed through socialist ways. Yet, the dynamics of Chinese governance has always been part science and part mystery to other governments that have earned legitimacy through elections, while China’s leaders earned its legitimacy through selection of the most able and their performance in delivering sustained improvements in the quality of life of the Chinese citizens and China's international standing. This paper deals with assessing the relevance of China’s Socialist governance evolution into a science of managing public affairs and the pursuit to optimizing its impact on the state’s economic, political and social spheres.

Good practices in health care "management experimentation models": insights from an international public-private partnership on transplantation and advanced specialized therapies.

The research analyzes good practices in health care "management experimentation models," which fall within the broader range of the integrative public-private partnerships (PPPs). Introduced by the Italian National Healthcare System in 1991, the "management experimentation models" are based on a public governance system mixed with a private management approach, a patient-centric orientation, a shared financial risk, and payment mechanisms correlated with clinical outcomes, quality, and cost-savings. This model makes public hospitals more competitive and efficient without affecting the principles of universal coverage, solidarity, and equity of access, but requires higher financial responsibility for managers and more flexibility in operations. In Italy the experience of such experimental models is limited but successful. The study adopts the case study methodology and refers to the international collaboration started in 1997 between two Italian hospitals and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC - Pennsylvania, USA) in the field of organ transplants and biomedical advanced therapies. The research allows identifying what constitutes good management practices and factors associated with higher clinical performance. Thus, it allows to understand whether and how the management experimentation model can be implemented on a broader basis, both nationwide and internationally. However, the implementation of integrative PPPs requires strategic, cultural, and managerial changes in the way in which a hospital operates; these transformations are not always sustainable. The recognition of ISMETT's good management practices is useful for competitive benchmarking among hospitals specialized in organ transplants and for its insights on the strategies concerning the governance reorganization in the hospital setting. Findings can be used in the future for analyzing the cross-country differences in productivity among well-managed public hospitals.

On the Bumpy Road towards Open Government: The Not-Invented-Here Syndrome as a Major Pothole

Increasing mistrust in the system of public governance and its procedures, decreasing room for maneuver due to public debt, and a low voter turnout all suggest the need for a new direction to be ta...

Preparing IAS Officer Trainees for the Role of District Magistrate: A Competency-Based Approach

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers occupy a strategic position in Indian public governance system. Government has generally laid a lot of emphasis on the training programmes for IAS officers to ensure that they are equipped with the right set of knowledge, skills and attitude to effectively perform in the varied assignments that they occupy. It is increasingly being recognized that more than knowledge, skill and attitude, proficiency in certain deep seated abilities result in superior and more effective performance of an individual in an organizational setting. These deep seated abilities are commonly termed as competencies. In this paper an exercise has been undertaken to identify the key competencies which are required for effectively performing the role of a District Magistrate (DM). The focus of the two years training programme at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, (LBSNAA) is to equip the officers for the first decade of service during which they are also expected to serve as District Magistrates (DM). It is expected that clarity about the competencies required to become an effective DM will facilitate more efficient human resource management of the cadre of IAS officers including training, placement and performance management. This research paper based on extensive survey methodology is an attempt in that direction.

Managing the politics of innovation and sustainability

PurposePolicy objectives and government interventions about sustainability resulting from social debates forces business models to adapt and determines the kind of innovation that is required and the ways in which it can be achieved. Yet, governments' role in defining sustainability and innovation is often overlooked, and new ways of managing the government dimension of sustainability is required as well as the development of corporate strategies encompassing inclusive visions of the corporations' role in society.Design/methodology/approachThis article aims to examine the issue from various perspectives in view of doing further research.FindingsThe management of innovation for sustainability requires increased collaboration and mentoring by public governance systems and the elaboration of coherent and inclusive strategic visions also serving the public interest when setting corporate strategies.Originality/valueThe article is based on political and economic writings and on practical experience in the public and private sectors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Public and Corporate Governance and Young Global Entrepreneurial Firms

AbstractManuscript TypeConceptualResearch Question/IssueNew ventures are internationalizing their operations from inception. This creates opportunities for growth and profitability. However, early internationalization creates serious challenges for effective governance. This article focuses on two key layers of governance (public and corporate) and how they interact to influence global entrepreneurial young firms, especially those “born globals” that enter foreign markets from inception (e.g., internet companies) or soon after their establishment, also known as early internationalizers. Though established companies also create new businesses dedicated to international business, they differ in fundamental ways from their younger counterparts that venture into international markets. Therefore, in this article, we focus on those global entrepreneurial young companies. We propose that the interaction of public and corporate governance systems has important implications for global entrepreneurial young firms' strategic choices as they seek to position themselves in their markets. Ideally, public and corporate governance systems combine to ensure the viability, survival and success of these firms.Research Findings/InsightsBorn global and early internationalizing new ventures encounter distinct problems centered on free riding and management of intellectual property. Public governance establishes the essential framework that can guide the resolution of these issues. Corporate governance systems interact with public governance to harmonize the interests of different claimants, especially in disputes that arise across national borders. Corporate governance systems not only ensure effective monitoring of owner‐managers but define what they do and how to do it in a highly globalized environment.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe article shows how public and corporate governance systems interact over time, determining the fate of global new ventures. It also articulates how these systems define and protect intellectual property rights. The discussion highlights the role of governance in a global marketplace where intangibles define success and failure, pointing out the efficacy of traditional agency theory while underscoring the need for revising its boundaries. Future theorizing should consider diversity of managerial motives, and these motives are influenced by national institutions. As a result, we should not start with the assumption that the interests of firms and owners are perfectly aligned.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThere is a need to understand the dynamic interplay between public and corporate governance systems, placing a greater focus on value creation across international borders. This interplay defines what managers (owner‐managers) do and how they lead their ventures in a global environment, one that is characterized by political and institutional uncertainties. The discussion makes clear that national institutions shape the definition and performance of managerial decisions and roles.