Local Government System Research Articles

Information features of management decisions in the system of public authority

The article considers the formation of two management systems after the adoption of the Constitution of the Russian Federation — the system of public administration and the system of local government. The conceptual peculiarities of managerial decision-making in both systems are investigated, and the conclusion is made about the differences in the configurations of the channels of their information links. The advantages and disadvantages of the public administration system as a centralized system based on cybernetic principles, as well as the positive and negative aspects of the synergetic nature of the local government system are analyzed. As public administration systems need a certain decentralization of management, so local government systems cannot do without orientation on a number of issues on centralized commands. It is concluded that in Russia for a long period of time there was no proper information interaction between the system of public administration and the system of local government. It is noted that the appearance in the Constitution of the Russian Federation of part 3 of Article 122 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation determined not only the existence of a unified system of public power, but also the existence of an integral system of governance, the capacity of which to make effective management decisions is higher than the total capacity of the previously existing self-sufficient systems.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT

In the current digital era, social media and government have a complicated and important interaction. Social media and government interactions involve a number of significant areas, such as politics, decision-making, education, crisis and disaster management, and community communication. As technology advances and the social and political landscape evolves, so does the connection between social media and the government. As a result, it's critical to strike a balance between security and freedom of speech and make sure that government usage of social media enhances democracy and citizen involvement. As a result, it's critical to strike a balance between security and freedom of speech and make sure that government usage of social media enhances democracy and citizen involvement. Consequently, this article delves deeply into the many social media platforms utilized by local government, since it can offer current guidelines for enhancing the quality of services provided by the local government system in Malaysia, particularly making it more efficient and all-encompassing.

THE PRINCIPLE OF THE RULE OF LAW IN THE SYSTEM OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT

The principle of the rule of law, or legal guarantee, plays a key role in the system of local government, providing a framework and restrictions for the actions of local authorities. This principle implies that all actions and decisions taken by local authorities must comply with the law, including legislation at higher levels of government, constitutional norms and local legal acts. The rule of law in the system of local self-government ensures legal stability, protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens, prevents arbitrariness and corruption, and also helps ensure justice and equality before the law for all members of society.

Local self-government bodies in the process of municipal reform: trends and patterns of development

The article is devoted to the study of the development patterns of the local government system in the Russian Federation. The submission to the State Duma of the Russian Federation of the draft Federal Law «On the general principles of the organization of local self-government in the unified system of public authority» in December 2021 means the preparation of a new stage of municipal reform and makes it relevant to study long-term changes in the institutional organization of local self-government. The purpose of the study is to analyze changes in the structure of local self-government bodies and the rules of their formation at each stage of the development of this institution, as well as to identify the main patterns of this process. The analysis of the legislative base regulating the structure and rules of formation of local self-government bodies has been carried out. The data related to the development of the local government system provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation were analyzed. It is shown that the structure of local self-government bodies has not undergone significant changes. However, there have been changes in the ways of forming local self-government bodies, which reflect the trend towards their loss of institutional independence and integration into a single system of public power. This trend appeared at the stage of implementation of the Federal Law on Local Self-Government in 2003 and was consolidated in the new Draft law on Local self-government submitted to the State Duma of the Russian Federation in 2021. It is concluded that there is a tendency to increase the dependence on federal and regional legislators of local self-government bodies. For the institute of heads of municipalities, the loss of institutional independence was clearly manifested by the introduction of the procedure for electing heads by competition, displacing both election at municipal elections and election from the Council of Deputies. The formation of representative bodies, having passed the stage of delegating deputies to higher levels, returns to the model of direct elections. However, this happens in the context of the rejection of a two-tier system of local self-government.

Urban industrial land misallocation and green total factor productivity: Evidence from China's Yellow River Basin regions

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the repercussions of urban industrial land misallocation on green total factor productivity (GTFP) within the context of China's Yellow River Basin regions. Utilising data from 99 prefecture‐level cities over the period from 2007 to 2020, the analysis reveals that the misallocation of urban industrial land exhibits regional variations and exerts a significant and persistent negative influence on GTFP, with notable regional disparities. Further analysis shows the mechanism of this effect is the obstacle to urban innovation due to industrial land misallocation. In addition, education expenditure plays a moderating role both directly and indirectly. These findings imply the need to continuously improve the performance evaluation and financial system of local governments, reduce government intervention, and make use of the market mechanism in the allocation of urban industrial land.

The Impact of Population Growth on Local Community Satisfaction in the Victorian Local Government System

The scholarly literature has shown that population growth affects not only local and national economies, but also the quality of community life. Using the most recent 2014/2015 to 2017/2018 local government satisfaction data, we empirically examine the impact of population growth on overall community satisfaction, as well as some other sub-dimensions of resident satisfaction, in the Victorian state local government system in Australia and then investigate the differential effects of population growth on community satisfaction in urban and regional councils. Our findings show that population growth negatively influenced overall community satisfaction and some other sub-dimensions of local resident satisfaction. Moreover, population growth generated greater dissatisfaction in regional councils compared to urban councils. We conclude by considering the public policy implications of these findings.

Intergovernmental Transfers and Local Revenues Again—A Relook at the Ghanaian Local Government Case

This paper revisits options for strengthening local governance by increasing own revenues in local government jurisdictions. Using stochastic frontier and recursive structural equation methods, the paper estimates the effects of central government transfers and tax effort on own revenues in the Ghanaian local government system. Results show that contrary to some recent findings that transfers reduce own revenues for local jurisdictions in Ghana, increasing transfers to local jurisdictions increases (rather than reduces) own revenues in Ghana. Further, local government performance in public service provision was found to be critical for increasing own revenues. Making the Ghanaian local government system more sustainable thus requires increasing central government transfers and providing technical support to strengthen the relationship between available public services and own revenues.

Enhancing Staff Recruitment Efficiency and Operational Performance within Nigeria’s Local Government Framework: A Case Study of Enugu State (1999-2021)

Recruitment have become a fundamental tool in achieving productivity in any organization. However, the quality of staff in an organisations is one of the factors that determine how the organization is going to be successful in terms of realizing its objectives of increased productivity, efficiency and effectiveness in terms of service delivery. This study examined staff recruitment and productivity in local government system in Enugu State 1999-2021. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses, the objective of the study was to ascertain the relationship between staff recruitment and productivity in the local government system in Enugu State. The researcher adopted descriptive survey design. The researcher also utilized Human Resource Management Theory to extrapolate the study. The population for the study was 4,411,100 residents of Enugu State. Also, sample for the study was 450 respondents. Multi stage sampling techniques were adopted for the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Frequency and standard deviation was used for data analysis. The findings indicated that there is a relationship between staff recruitment and low productivity in local government system in Enugu State. The study concluded that, there is a dire need for a review of recruitment processes in the local government in Enugu State to enhance productivity. The study suggested that to enhance productivity within the local government system, priority should be given to hiring the most qualified candidates for the positions. Keywords: Staff Recruitment, Productivity, Local Government System and Nigeria

Local government in Northern Ireland: partnerships, minimalism and marginalisation

ABSTRACT In 2015, a reformed local government system was introduced in Northern Ireland following a lengthy period of review. In the new dispensation, great emphasis is placed on the concept of partnership, vertically between the regional institutions and government departments, and horizontally between local councils and statutory organisations, through a process of community planning. Despite the importance placed on partnerships, they have received little attention in the governance of Northern Ireland. This article assesses recent changes in local government in comparison to Great Britain, Ireland or elsewhere. Through a theoretical framework on partnerships within the New Public Governance literature, the article evaluates the significance of local government reforms and possible further enhancement of powers. In illustrating the fundamental imbalance in the regional-local nexus, resulting in continued over-centralisation and a fragmented model of sub-regional governance, the article concludes that the system remains characterised by marginalised local government, with aspirations for partnership unfulfilled.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES: HISTORICAL AND LEGAL ASPECT

The author notes in his research that from 1993 to 1995 a new system of local government was formed, local executive and representative bodies were allocated. With regard to the formation and activities of local executive bodies, the head of state played a key role, the system was based on vertical subordination. At the same time, local representative bodies have gained some independence. In the article, the author examines the history of the formation and development of the institution of local authorities, the development of relations between the head of state and territorial authorities. The subject of the study is the legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the legal norms formulated in them and the practice of their implementation, program documents. The objectives of the work are to identify problems in the system of relations between the President and local authorities. In the course of the study, the author examines the processes of centralization and decentralization. Thus, within the framework of the constitutional reform of the development of local authorities and self-government, the introduction of direct elections of the leadership of administrative-territorial units of some types, the system of vertical power and subordination is maintained. Moreover, the article shows some inconsistency in the ongoing reforms of local government, leveling the increase in the status of local authorities at the expense of other norms and rules. The paper shows that after the constitutional reform of 2022, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan retains full authority over local governments (taking into account the presence of some elements of independence of territorial governments). The article and in conclusion assesses some provisions of the legal acts of Kazakhstan.

Assessing the Viability of Smaller Municipalities: The Alberta Model

A confluence of economic and social trends has created significant challenges for smaller municipalities in jurisdictions across the advanced industrial societies. Population stagnation or decline and the concentration of major industries in metropolitan centres have weakened the economies of smaller communities and frequently triggered fiscal crises. This leads to serious challenges not only for the local communities but for other levels of government. Responses to this challenge from provincial and national governments have followed a variety of paths. In some cases, governments have opted for major reorganization. This may entail a shift to regional forms of government or support for amalgamations or annexations by larger, financially stronger municipalities. In Canada, Manitoba and New Brunswick provide two recent examples of provincial governments that have chosen sweeping changes to their systems of local government. Alberta, by contrast, has elected a case-by case approach to municipal reorganization. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has developed a process for viability reviews of municipalities facing serious fiscal challenges. This approach reflects the stronger economic state of most municipalities in the province; at this point, there is no need for a sweeping reorganization of municipal government. To date, 24 municipalities have undergone a viability review and 14 have elected to dissolve. In doing so, they become hamlets in the surrounding County or Municipal District. This process has worked well for Alberta, but challenges remain. Dissolution does not solve all of the problems that communities are facing; the problems that led to dissolution remain and become the responsibility of the absorbing entity. And more municipalities are likely to experience the difficulties that have led others to dissolve. Monitoring the health of local communities and providing support to both struggling municipalities and the counties and districts that may assume responsibility for them will be needed to ensure the sustainability of Alberta’s existing municipal framework.

The Influence of Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use within The Regional Government Information System (SIPD) on Regional Financial Management System


 
 
 This research is motivated by one of the factors in realizing good governance as a system that has been published by the government, namely SPBE to utilize Information Technology as a means of realizing good governance. SIPD is part of SPBE which is designed as an internal local government system for financial management so that this information can provide effective benefits in decision making. The problem is that the system can run well if its users accept and understand it well. Factors that influence the increase in its use is the acceptance of each individual who becomes a user. This study aims to determine the effect of Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use (perceived ease of use) of Regional Government Information Systems (SIPD) on the Application of Regional Financial Management Systems in North Minahasa Regency. The approach used is quantitative with this type of correlational research. Data collection using a questionnaire. Data analysis technique using multiple regression. The results of this study can be concluded that the Perceived Usefulness of SIPD has a positive and significant effect on the application of the regional financial management system in North Minahasa Regency with a coefficient of determination of 53.90%. Perceived Ease of Use (perceived ease of use) SIPD has a positive and significant effect on the application of regional financial management systems in North Minahasa Regency with a coefficient of determination of 18.60%.
 
 

Financial Autonomy: Panacea for Improved Service Delivery in Imo State Local Government System

Local governments in Nigeria have been criticized for their low performance despite the huge revenue being injected into the system. This study offers an explanation for the remote causes of the failure of the local government system in Nigeria, using selected local governments across the three senatorial districts in Imo State as a frame of reference. The study argues that lack of financial autonomy, systemic corruption, and inadequate funding are the major hindrances crippling efforts to improve service delivery for the benefit of those residing in the localities. It further argues that while the internal sources of revenue available to local governments are not sufficient to provide essential services to rural dwellers, the relatively meaningful external sources are controlled by higher tiers (state and federal) of government in Nigeria. It uses mixed methods to generate and analyze data, and sources of data include available literature, responses from interviewees, and personal experience as a one-time active player in the local government system in Imo State. The examination of available literature and data analysis discovers that there is a lacuna in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which the higher tiers cash in on to manipulate the crucial third-tier governments. It is, therefore, the conclusion of this study that improvement in service delivery can be tremendously achieved when the third tier enjoys financial autonomy commensurate with the services it renders to the local communities.

Performance Management Strategies in Local Government Systems in Zimbabwe: Status Quo and Quo Vadis?

Performance Management Strategies in Local Government Systems in Zimbabwe: Status Quo and Quo Vadis?

Effectiveness of Financing Measures to Reduce Low Emissions in Poland - a Case Study

Local authorities are increasingly facing the challenges of climate change, which requires adaptation of various elements of local government systems, including infrastructure, communities and local economies. Operating in an ever-changing reality, local government units should plan for the necessary sustainable local government investments, with particular attention to structural gaps and financial mismatches. Local government is responsible for ensuring local energy security and thus for 'environmental sustainability'. The overall objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of financing low-emission lowering measures from the Environmental Protection and Water Management Fund in municipalities in Lubusz Province in 2020. The article uses cause-effect relationship analysis (regression models). Investments implemented by local governments generally have a positive impact on the reduction of low emissions, although the results of the study indicate a negative impact of financing investments in alternative energy sources (RES). This may be related to large investment outlays, as well as difficulties in spatial planning, environmental impact and administrative inefficiency.

Цифровое неравенство в системе местного самоуправления: понятие, критерии, пути преодоления

Introduction. Since the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries, all areas of social management, including public management, have been seriously influenced by modern digital technologies, which, on the one hand, create new opportunities to increase the efficiency of management activities; on the other hand, they pose certain risks, potentially provoking digital inequality. The article presents an analysis of the prerequisites and causes of digital inequality in municipalities. The criteria for such inequality are identified and generalized. An attempt was made to find out the attitude of local governments and citizens, living under digital lockdown, towards the digital transformation of public administration and local economy. Proposals have been made to level the digital divide in municipalities. Theoretical analysis. The problem of digital inequality has been the focus of attention of researchers for over 20 years. However, the scientific discourse on digital inequality is still fragmented: there is no universal interpretation of this phenomenon in the theoretical aspect; there are no uniform parameters for measuring it, and no algorithm for overcoming it has been developed. It is noted that approaches to understanding digital inequality and its consequences have undergone major changes: from unhindered access to the Internet to a person’s request to use digital resources, including those in the field of local government. Empirical analysis. The analysis of the legal regulation of digital transformation was carried out. As a result, it was concluded that flexible or “soft” legal regulation of the digitalization of public administration currently prevails. It is indicated that a special federal law regulating the process of digital transformation in the public administration system and in the local government system, respectively, has not been adopted in the Russian Federation. The criteria for assessing the digital inequality of Russian subjects, the possibility and feasibility of scaling them to the level of local government were analyzed. Results. Based on the results of the study, it is shown that at the local government level, digital inequality is an urgent problem that has a complex technological, socio-economic, socio-cultural and legal nature. It has been proven that there has been a transformation in the essence and understanding of digital inequality: from the problem of access to digital technologies to ensuring equal conditions for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights through such technologies, including the right to local self-government. A proposal for a special program approach has been made to overcome the digital divide in municipalities.

The legitimacy of local government in the Australian federation

AbstractAustralian local government does not enjoy the status of its counterparts in comparable democracies and has long sought acknowledgment in the federal constitution. As these campaigns have consistently failed, this study considers how, and in which forms, local government obtains its own political legitimacy within a governance system centered on the citizen–state relationship, in addition to evaluating the relationships between the different forms of legitimacy. We find that positive perceptions of local government effectiveness are associated with higher levels of support for constitutional change, but that local governments need to pay more attention to systems of accountability and oversight, how building and planning issues are handled, and how they communicate with residents. Generally, and unsurprisingly, local government is appreciated more by those who rely on their services yet who are not always the loudest voices in public debates. Constitutional legitimacy is more likely when other sources of legitimacy are enhanced.Related ArticlesTran, Carolyn‐Thi Thanh Dung, and Brian Dollery. 2022. “Administrative Intensity and Financial Sustainability: An Empirical Analysis of the Victorian Local Government System.” Politics & Policy 50(3): 540–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12466.Van Acker, Elizabeth. 2009. “Service Delivery of Relationship Support Programs in Australia: Implications for the ‘Community Sector.’” Politics & Policy 37(6): 1307–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00221.x.Wallis, Joe Tor Brodtkorb, Brian Dollery, and Muiris MacCarthaigh. 2017. “Commissions and Local Government Reform: Expressed Leadership Identities of Commissioners in Inquiries Proposing Municipal Mergers in Northern Ireland and New South Wales.” Politics & Policy 45(2): 285–308. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12199.

PUBLIC GOVERNANCE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The relevance of the research is determined by the need to comprehend the interaction between public governance and local self-governance at the local level, especially in the context of modern challenges and technological innovations. Consideration and analysis of theoretical concepts of management can help improve the efficiency and transparency of governance processes, which is crucial for the sustainable development of society. The purpose of the research is to theoretically analyze the interaction of public governance and local governance at the local level in the conditions of digital transformation. The study of key aspects of this interaction is aimed at identifying challenges and opportunities arising in the context of digital technologies in public governance. The research also aims to analyze practical cases of digital innovations at the local level in order to determine their impact on the quality of services and management processes. The research results will help identify strategies for the successful implementation of digital tools in local governance and their contribution to the sustainable development of society.The obtained research results: based on the research findings, it can be determined that public governance at the local level is a complex process that can be considered from different approaches and perspectives. The importance of this interaction becomes especially relevant in the context of digitalization. Practical significance: the academic paper can be used for the development and improvement of the local government management system in the current conditions. Comprehension of the various aspects of this process makes it possible to develop effective strategies for implementing and using digital technologies to improve the quality of public services, interact with the community, and optimize management processes. Conclusion: the research emphasizes the importance of adapting management systems to the challenges of the digital age and the need to search for optimal solutions. Such an approach is fundamental in establishing an effective, transparent, and open system of local governance aimed at meeting citizens’ needs in a digital society.

Constraining co-creation? An ethnographic study of Healthwatch organizations in England

ABSTRACT While the potential benefits of co-production and co-creation are widely vaunted, the degree to which they precipitate innovative change in systems varies, and influences on their impact demand greater attention. We present an ethnographic study of organizations intended to foster co-creation in English health and social care. Comparing five cases, we find demonstrable activity and some tangible impacts. At the same time, the positioning of these organizations as collaborative insiders in local governance systems constrained the publics and issues that were prioritized in co-creative activities. Our findings highlight the significance of discursive forms of meta-governance in delimiting the scope of co-creation.

Ideas of well-being economy in the theories of local self-government

Mostly center–periphery model of territorial development, long-standing domination of transfers in the structure of municipal budget revenues have formed the protracted, chronic nature of the socioeconomic problems. This necessitates refining goals, principles and content of municipal government, especially in the economic sphere. The paper aims to revise the propositions of the theories of local self-government against the backdrop of the emerging concept of well-being economy, which together constitute the methodological basis of the research. The study applies a suite of general scientific methods, including retrospective analysis and systematisation. Based on the review of pre-revolutionary works of Russian scientists and essayists for 1870–1917 devoted to zemstvo and town and city self-government, the paper deduces an image of well-being of a territory under local government. In particular, its well-being presupposes providing local internal and external amenities, care for food security, health, education, safety from various threats (fires, diseases, crime); organising the economic life of a territory through the municipalisation of socially important industries and services, generation of employment, as well as stimulation of economic activity through cooperation and issuing loans. Having compared the narratives of the well-being economy concept and the propositions of the theories of local self-government, the paper demonstrates that this concept can be implemented by means of local self-government, since their theoretical bases correspond to each other. The study concludes that there is a need to realise the potential of the local government system laid down by Alexander II, emperor of Russia. This requires making the interaction between residents and local government closer, disseminating knowledge about municipal government, and providing greater financial opportunities to local authorities so that they could concentrate on addressing local problems and expressing residents’ interests.