Public Participation In Decision-making Research Articles

Implementation of Good Governance as An Acceleration of Public Services at The Village Level

The slow administrative process, lack of public participation in decision-making, and low transparency and accountability in public financial management are the main problems in public services in Sungai Limau Village, Pusako District, Siak Regency. One of the efforts to improve the service system that still faces various challenges is through the implementation of good governance. This study aims to examine the implementation of good governance in public services in Sungai Limau Village, Pusako District, Siak Regency. This study uses the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) research method. The data collection method in this study involves a review of literature. After the data is collected, the analysis is carried out by filtering relevant data, presenting the data, and finally making conclusions. The findings of the study indicate that the application of good governance principles can accelerate public services at the village level, as seen in Sungai Limau Village, Pusako District, Siak Regency. Therefore, the recommendation that can be taken from this finding is the importance of implementing good governance principles consistently to enhance the standard of public services and boost community engagement and satisfaction.

Renewal of an active substance found in an insecticide: How to articulate risk assessment and risk management?

In Pesticide Action Network Europe v Commission (Case T-536/22), Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe) contested the renewal by the European Commission of the active substance cypermethrin. This substance is used or is marketed as an insecticide in large-scale commercial agricultural applications as well as in consumer products for domestic purposes (ant and cockroach killer). PAN Europe sought the annulment of the European Commission's decision of 23 June 2022 by which the latter rejected the request for internal review made by PAN Europe in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1367/2006 on the application of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. The applicant argued, in essence, that where a risk is established with sufficient certainty by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the Commission could not disregard the conclusions of the scientific assessment by relying on its powers as risk manager. In stressing the discretion enjoyed by the Commission, the General Court dismissed the action of PAN Europe. This casenote suggests that the General Court applied the precautionary principle too formally.

The impact of people’s participation on public policy satisfaction in Vietnam

People’s participation in public decision-making not only helps ensure transparency and accountability but also contributes to improving their satisfaction with government policies and operations. This study examines whether transparency in decision-making, trust in public agencies, access to information, and people’s awareness of their rights and responsibilities play an important role in promoting their participation. The study also explores whether this participation directly affects people’s satisfaction with public decisions and policies. This study uses mixed method approach through the SEM linear regression model. The analysis of the results shows that transparency, trust, information accessibility and citizen awareness have a positive and significant impact on the level of their participation in public activities. However, increased participation does not necessarily lead to higher levels of satisfaction with public policies, especially when the participation process does not meet people’s expectations or lacks transparency and efficiency. The study concludes that, to improve people’s satisfaction, it is necessary not only to promote participation, but also to improve the quality of this process, ensuring that participation is substantive and has a clear impact on public decisions. As such, specific recommendations are made to improve public policy and enhance people’s participation and satisfaction in the context of modern public governance.

TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SERVICES: THE ROLE OF DIGITAL INNOVATION IN INDONESIAN MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE

Digital innovation has become an important catalyst in the transformation of public services in Indonesia, especially at the local government level. The application of digital technology can increase transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of the government to the needs of the community. However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps and bureaucratic resistance are still major obstacles in this process. This study aims to explore the impact of digital innovation on the quality of public services in local governments. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, using thematic analysis of data obtained from various relevant sources. The results of the study indicate that digital innovation significantly improves the quality of public services by accelerating the administrative process and increasing transparency and accountability. Digital technology also enables local governments to be more responsive to community needs and encourages public participation in decision-making. However, the success of digital transformation is highly dependent on leadership commitment, technological infrastructure development, and increased human resource capacity. Challenges such as technological gaps between regions and bureaucratic resistance need to be overcome so that digital innovation can be implemented effectively. With the right strategy, digital innovation has great potential to increase efficiency and public trust in government in Indonesia.

‘The system is engineered to do this’: Multilevel Disempowerment and Climate Injustice in Regulating Colorado’s Oil and Gas Development

Abstract Continuing to emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) moves our planet closer to crossing critical tipping points, making ongoing development of fossil fuels an act of climate injustice. Yet, the United States has doubled down on unconventional oil and gas (UOG), becoming the top global producer of hydrocarbons. Significant segments of the public resist UOG drilling, mobilizing to limit or stop production due to intersecting climate, environmental, and public health concerns. However, regulatory conflicts complicate the power of public resistance and problematize the role of the state in facilitating industry. UOG production has rapidly expanded with little capacity for public participation in decision-making. We contend this is a climate injustice—where procedural injustices across levels of governance make it difficult for the public to prevent fossil fuel extraction. We examine these injustices across state legislative, judicial, and executive governance processes in Colorado where residents have actively resisted UOG production. We demonstrate how the public consistently faces procedural inequities and power disadvantages across multiple sites and levels of decision-making, resulting in multilevel disempowerment. In this high-stakes context, our policy ethnography illustrates how these multilevel procedural injustices can facilitate rapid expansion of UOG production, where state-sanctioned activities also constitute broader acts of climate violence and injustice.

Assistance in Strengthening Village Governance Through the Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Increasing the Capacity of Villages Apparatus: Community Service in Sungai Arang Hamlet, Jambi, Indonesia

Effective village governance is an important foundation for sustainable development at the local level. However, many villages in Indonesia, including Sungai Arang Hamlet in Jambi, still face challenges in terms of governance, which can be seen from weak administrative systems, lack of transparency, and low capacity of village officials. This research uses a participatory community service approach which involves a series of activities, including: (1) Identifying village problems and needs through focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews; (2) Development of standard operating procedures (SOP) for various aspects of village administration; (3) Training and capacity building for village officials regarding SOP implementation; (4) Assistance and monitoring of SOP implementation; and (5) Evaluation of program impact. The research results show a significant improvement in village governance after program implementation. The developed SOPs have helped improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services, increase transparency and accountability, and strengthen public participation in decision-making. In addition, the capacity of village officials has also increased, reflected in a better understanding of their duties and responsibilities, as well as a better ability to carry out administrative tasks. In conclusion, this community service program has made a positive contribution in strengthening village governance in Sungai Arang Hamlet. Developing SOPs and increasing the capacity of village officials has proven effective in improving the quality of public services, transparency, and accountability. This research recommends that this community service model can be replicated in other villages that have similar problems.

Public participation in decisions about measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and health authorities faced tough decisions about infection prevention and control measures such as social distancing, face masks and travel. Judgements underlying those decisions require...

The dynamics embedded in COVID-19 pandemic responses in South Africa: Implications for public healthcare delivery

South Africa recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Africa despite having what seemed to be one of the best government response mechanisms on the continent. This paper explores the responses of both the government and the citizens of South Africa to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a literature review, the study established that the government's response to the pandemic was influenced by various factors, including the responsibility to protect citizens' lives, the need to defend the state's sovereignty, and compliance with global health imperatives. This was achieved through strict and coercive government measures, which left little room for public participation in decision-making. The findings also indicate public dissent towards government directives, which may be attributed to a lack of public awareness and preparedness in public health emergencies. The social contract theory provides a useful framework for analysing and understanding the actions of the government and citizens in response to COVID-19 in South Africa. Understanding these aspects is crucial for drawing informative lessons for effective public health and socio-economic interventions in future pandemics and health-related emergencies.

Unveiling the relationships between visibility, information technologies and innovation management for sustainability performance: an empirical study

PurposeThe paper investigates how visibility, information technology and innovation management impact sustainability performance. It proposes a framework explaining the role of visibility in driving firms' sustainable performance and the relevance of innovation management and information technologies in enhancing organisational visibility. This study intends to add to the discussion within the management literature about the potential of innovation management to drive sustainability. It seeks to provide insight into the practices that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can adopt to improve their sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing empirical methods, the study investigates SMEs in central Mexico. The demographic information in the dataset includes 15 years as an average length of service from firms. Of the surveyed firms, 70% were from the manufacturing sector and 30% were from the service sector, as these are the most representative sectors of the productive region. A variance-based structural equation model approach was used to test the hypotheses, processed with the partial least squares (PLS) regression method.FindingsThe research results show that visibility significantly impacts sustainability performance. Innovation management has a higher influence on visibility than information technologies, emphasising the need to improve the quality of information in firms, not just the tools. The findings support managers in comprehending the crucial importance of visibility in aiding firms to achieve higher sustainability performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study only examined a sample of Mexican SMEs; therefore, the findings' generalizability must be considered within this context. Secondly, the survey only focused on services and manufacturing firms and a more detailed analysis of the sector could provide further clarity on the relationships between variables. As a result, future research should consider these limitations and explore additional contexts to improve the overall understanding of the topic. Moreover, the scale used to measure the variables was adapted from other researchers with similar context research and reflective variables.Practical implicationsThe results provide helpful information for SME managers about the importance of focusing on innovation management processes and employing information technologies as crucial managerial strategies. This will aid in increasing visibility and supporting the development of sustainability performance in firms.Social implicationsThe world red-code, among others, with climate change and social gaps, has generated the need to contribute to sustainable development, and it has mobilised people on all levels all over the world for the simple purpose of preserving life. Therefore, society, as a crucial group that affects and is affected by this red-code situation, should act in favour of visibility, the use of high-quality information (e.g. transparent, accessible and relevant) and information technologies to promote sustainable practices. This could mean that society should be prepared to incorporate new capabilities and spaces to interchange knowledge as a participatory community that can contribute to better sustainable dynamics that could expand its participation in public decisions. Also, the government should encourage digital democracy (e.g. develop social participation platforms), opening and harmonising rules and mechanisms combining high-quality information with IT to provide flexible and adequate services that support sustainable development, such as efforts towards constructing sustainable and smart cities.Originality/valueThis study explores how innovation management can drive firms' sustainability performance, which is crucial for improving competitiveness. The question of how to enhance sustainability performance through managerial drivers is a critical one. This study empirically investigates the nexus of visibility and sustainability performance, innovation management and information technology with visibility.

Analisis Efisiensi Dan Efektivitas E-Government Dalam Administrasi Publik

E-Government has become central to the transformation of public administration, offering various possibilities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. This analysis investigates how the implementation of e-government affects public administration from the perspective of operational efficiency and achievement of public service objectives. In addition, E-government is the vanguard of efforts to provide information and services to citizens, businesses, employees and government units, and other organizational sectors. This study adopts a qualitative approach where the sources collected come from journals, books. The results show that the efficiency and effectiveness of e-Government in public administration related to the application of information technology has a significant positive impact. E-Government is also able to increase efficiency in the delivery of public services by cutting bureaucracy and speeding up administrative processes. Simultaneously, the effectiveness of e-Government is reflected in faster responses to citizen needs, enhanced transparency, and increased citizen participation in public decision-making.

Integration of bionics, digital innovations, and democratic management principles for industrial transformation.

This article explores an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to the integration of bionic principles, digital technologies and democratic governance in the transformation of industrial production in Ukraine. Emphasis is placed on the adaptation of industrial production to modern requirements of sustainability, efficiency and environmental safety in the context of the Ukrainian economy. The bionic approach involves the integration of natural principles and mechanisms into technological processes, offering a unique perspective for increasing production efficiency and environmental sustainability. The main objectives of this study are to study how a bionic approach, combined with digital technologies and public participation in decision-making, can transform industrial production in Ukraine, making it more sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly. This includes an analysis of the bionic approach and its potential to improve production efficiency, the role of digital technologies in optimizing production processes, and the impact of democratic governance on creating a fair and transparent economic system in an industrial context. The article provides strategic directions and recommendations that can help Ukraine adapt to global trends and use them for sustainable industrial development and improving the quality of life. The importance of the bionic approach in creating a sustainable and efficient industry is undeniable. The implementation of this approach not only reduces the environmental impact of production, but also stimulates innovative development, opening up new opportunities for the creation of technologies that are environmentally safe and cost-effective. The article also emphasizes the importance of public participation in economic decision-making in the industrial sector. This democratic governance in the economy, the key theme of the article, emphasizes the importance of involving civil society in decision-making processes in the economy, especially in the context of industrial reform.

Экономическая основа местного самоуправления в Аргентине: некоторые подходы к правовому регулированию

The author analyzes the legislation of some provinces of Argentina in terms of regulating the economic foundations of the organization of municipal authorities. The article touches upon property aspects and approaches to the delimitation of public and private property of municipalities (public and private domains), some requirements for concession agreements, and forms of public participation in decision-making by local governments in the economic sphere.

Design and Implementation of E-Government Applications to Improve Public Service Efficiency in Margahayu District

Improving the efficiency of public services in Margahayu District is crucial in facing the development of information and communication technology. In this context, the implementation of E-Government applications is an attractive option because it has the potential to overcome traditional administrative constraints and increase transparency and public participation in public decision making. The implementation of the E-Government application in Margahayu District is expected to provide benefits in improving the efficiency of public services, this writing aims to improve public services to the community, simplify the administrative process, and manage public service data at the sub-district level. The focus of the study uses methodological measures including literature study to understand the concept of E-Government, relevant technologies, and successful implementation in similar contexts, data collection through interviews with related parties in Margahayu sub-district and analysis of existing public service data. Application design using the Waterfall software development model. The results showed that the E-Government Application can improve the efficiency of public services in Margahayu District such as creating, managing population letters, being able to see the results of reports on what types of residence letters have been made, and facilitating service officers in the process of administering and managing public service data in Margahayu District.

Historical and legal overview of Public Interest Litigation as an institute of Administrative Justice

The article provides a historical and legal characterization of the institution of a Public Interest Litigation in general and in the context of administrative proceedings. The author reveals the historical origins of this institute from the time of Roman law, where it was called “actio popularis”. Some of the most common constructions of such claims in Roman law are highlighted. The author emphasizes the public benefit of filing such claims despite their private law nature. The author emphasizes the dualism between private and public interests in law, which is particularly evident in the institution of a Public Interest Litigation. The terminology used in different legal systems to describe the institution of a public interest action or its individual varieties is revealed: “actio popularis”, “Public Interest Litigation”, “Public Interest Law”, “Social Interest Litigation”. The author outlines the main areas in which Public Interest Litigation is most often applied: environmental protection, anti-discrimination, etc. The author analyzes the reasons for the low interest in the institution of public interest litigation in previous historical periods in Ukraine. On the other hand, it is suggested that there has been a significant increase in interest in such lawsuits in recent years, which is due to certain factors. These include: the development of civil society and the increased interest of legislators in this institution, as well as the ratification by Ukraine of the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention). The last point was important in the context of the further adoption by the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court of the decision of 11.12.2018 in case No. 910/8122/17, which stated the right of environmental associations to file lawsuits in the public interest on these matters. The article concludes with the emphasis on the prospects for further research into the application of actio popularis in foreign jurisdictions with a view to exploring the possibilities for expanding the number of legal relations in which such claims may be filed in Ukraine.

Ecosystem approaches in the practice of national enforcement

The article is devoted to current problems of ecology and enforcement. Ukraine is not a member of the EU, which makes it impossible to directly apply EU norms in national enforcement practice. However, having been ratified the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part is a full-fledged part of the national legal order, which outlines a range of key issues, in particular, the standards that appear before national legislation as a challenge to cooperation on environmental protection issues, and adaptation to EU legislation. The agreement envisages the strengthening of environmental protection activities through the improvement of the health care system, the preservation of natural resources, the improvement of economic and environmental protection efficiency, the integration of environmental policy into other areas of state policy, as well as the increase of the level of production thanks to modern technologies, which will have positive consequences for citizens and enterprises in Ukraine and the EU. As well as the issue of harmonization of legislation on environmental protection, including the implementation of the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention), which provides for the involvement of the public in the decision-making process on environmental issues and guarantees access to justice for person and public organizations when environmental legislation and/or provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights are violate.
 The need to analyze domestic judicial practice on environmental legal relations in various jurisdictions is extremely urgent. The application of international ratified documents, in particular the Aarhus Convention, is precisely the source of law that, firstly, opens wide public access to appeal procedures; secondly, it is the legal basis for resolving disputes about compensation for damage to the environment; thirdly, it makes impossible the limited interpretation of the current national legislation of Ukraine, regarding the right to appeal to the court for the protection of an interest protected by law in the sphere of guaranteeing environmental safety; fourthly, guarantees the right to appeal to the court of an unlimited number of persons (can be exercised by citizens personally or jointly through the association of citizens), and the resolution of disputed environmental-legal relations, i.e. those are public; fifth, guarantees the subject of the law access to the court without discrimination based on his actual location or actual center of activity; sixth, it affects the formation of established legal practice in environmental disputes.

The role of City Climate Networks in Promoting Citizen Participation in Municipalities: A Critical Multi-Case Analysis

BackgroundAt the COP21, cities were recognised as key actors in combatting climate change. In supporting cities, climate city networks such as transnational climate networks (TCNs) and national climate networks (NCNs) have emerged to enable cities in building capacities and formulating climate policy whilst also encouraging citizen engagement and participation in public decision-making. This paper addresses the question whether and how TCN or NCN membership enables municipalities to implement citizen participation in public decision-making. Six propositions are presented addressing: presumed influence of TCN membership on citizen participation, organization of citizen participation, initiator capacity, goal setting, involvement of stakeholders, participatory methods used, and planning processes. A multi-case study research design is used to verify these propositions, comprising of four medium-sized cities in the Netherlands and three in Belgium.ResultsResults of the analysis of four cities in The Netherlands show that municipalities having membership to climate city networks only to a low extent empower citizen participation via local climate agendas. Citizen participation emerges rather bottom-up via local initiatives or capacity building via EU framework programs—outside TCNs or NCNs—that better suit financial needs and provide more immediate benefits to municipalities. None of the six propositions were confirmed. A more positive image resulted from the Belgian cases that moderately confirmed four out of six propositions (i.e., organizing citizen participation, goal setting, selection of methods, and planning), and featured indirect empowerment via externally funded implementation projects following firm integration of participation in local climate policy through TCN influence.ConclusionsIn terms of citizen participation selected municipalities in the Netherlands having TCN and/or NCN membership only to a small extent differ from those not having membership. This is partly due to poor implementation of TCNs and NCNs—with Covenant of Mayors and ‘Klimaatverbond’ lacking support structure and capacity—having lost importance during the past years. However, there is reason to believe that context makes a difference as revealed by the cases from Belgium, which revealed more positive results.

Untangling the Link Between Digital Transformation and Information Security Management

Digital transformation is considered a source of competitive advantage and improved organisational performance. Within the public sector, leaders anticipate digital transformation to help them improve transparency and accountability, and stakeholders’ participation in public decision-making. At the same time, the accelerated adoption of digital technologies within the sector has also made information an important asset. Thus, the effectiveness of the information security management put in place determines whether an organisation can realise the benefits of successful digital transformation. Adopting a mixed-method approach (13 interviews and an online survey with 128 information security experts), this study identified various antecedents of effective information security management, i.e., leadership skills and attitudes, organisational culture, organisational structure, IT governance, IT alignment, and human resource management practices. Partial Least Structural Equation Modelling technique was adopted to test the proposed theoretical model and hypothesised causal relationships.

Empowering communities for sustainable water management: Insights from Justdiggit and the Paani Foundation

Community engagement is critical for effective sustainable water management initiatives because it facilitates public participation in decision- making. This study looks at Justdiggit and the Paani Foundation's community participation techniques, which are focused on water management and landscape restoration in water-stressed regions. We conduct a comparative analysis to determine the effectiveness of various initiatives in encouraging sustainable water practices and landscape restoration. Using official data and project evaluations, we assess the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of community-based water management programs. The findings reveal that, Justdiggit and the Paani Foundation actively engage the public through a variety of strategies, including community workshops, local champions, digital platforms, hands- on training, collaborative decision-making, job creation, and milestone celebration. Our findings show strong popular support and favorable effects on water conservation and community development. These findings are useful for practitioners, politicians, and researchers working to address global water concerns. Enhanced community engagement, as demonstrated by Justdiggit and the Paani Foundation, has the potential to achieve more resilient and sustainable water management solutions in the face of growing water issues.

Legal Standing of Individuals and ngo s in Environmental Matters under Article 9(3) of the Aarhus Convention

Abstract Individuals and non-governmental organizations’ access to justice in environmental matters may be hindered by a variety of obstacles, such as the fulfillment of legal standing conditions. In this regard, the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention), on its Article 9(3), imposes on each State Party the obligation to ensure members of the public, “where they meet the criteria, if any, laid down in its national law”, to have access to justice in order to challenge any violation of national environmental law. In this contribution, I focus on this provision with the purpose of assessing its normative content regarding the criteria for legal standing. To this end, I analyze the interpretation of Article 9(3) given by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (accc), as well as the relevant case law of domestic courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union (cjeu).

What do participants participate in? Insights from the community of Peccioli

ABSTRACT This research is part of a broader study investigating citizen participation in public decisions affecting the present and future of the community of Peccioli, a small village in Tuscany (Italy), through repeated surveys on a random sample of the citizens, and within participatory processes promoted by the local administration. The paper investigates how citizens who participate in one of these processes take part in political, associative and cultural life, and through which channels. The investigation is carried out in a small community, while the vast majority of studies on participation mechanisms so far have concentrated on large urban areas. This contribution presents the findings of a study carried out in 2022 through surveying a random sample of these Peccioli citizens (n = 144). Unlike studies of participatory processes reported in the literature, our study did not rely on the involvement of other public institutions or organized groups but considered ordinary citizens regardless of their potential affiliations. Our research found, firstly, that the respondents were strongly involved in political, social and cultural activities, to a higher extent than reported at national level. Secondly, as expected, their participation in socio-cultural activities was higher than in political activities. Thirdly, even in a small village like Peccioli, the vast majority of participants used a variety of media, particularly digital media, to stay informed and up to date on current affairs.