Well-functioning Governance Research Articles

The Share of Carbon Emissions by the Non-Rich and Support for Higher Environmental Taxes in Cross-National and Longitudinal Perspective

This comparative study covering 41 countries explores whether the distribution of national carbon emissions shapes the public willingness to pay higher environmental taxes and if this relationship is moderated by the quality of government. Using multilevel regression models, it draws on data from all four waves of the International Social Survey Programme’s Environment modules (1993–2020), combined with carbon emissions data from the World Inequality Database. Cross-sectional and longitudinal results suggest that the public willingness to pay additional taxes is lower in contexts where the non-rich are responsible for a larger or increasing share of national carbon emissions, particularly in contexts with low or declining quality of government. It is concluded that the distribution of emissions may impact public support for environmental taxes, but that well-functioning government institutions can mitigate negative public backlash linked to the often-perceived regressive character of these taxes.

Water governance for water security: analysing institutional strengths and challenges in Finland

ABSTRACT The relationship between water security and water governance across different water-using sectors remains under-researched. We apply the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Water Governance Indicator Framework with revised principles and criteria to analyse three sectors critical to water security in Finland: bioeconomy, mining and water infrastructure. Our findings indicate that water security as a concept helps to both assess and clarify governance priorities, while well-functioning governance with engagement of key actors is a prerequisite for broader water security. Given the differing interests and emerging pressures related to water, ensuring water security requires well-resourced public sector agencies to coordinate interaction across sectors and actors.

The Role of Governance on Trust in Public Administration on the 100th Anniversary of the Republic: A Local Governance Analysis

The Republic, at its core, is a political system based on sharing, participation, and trust. Therefore, the state of the relationship between the government and the citizens is of paramount importance for the health of the system. The aim of this study is to elucidate a small part of this relationship at the local level on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of our Republic. In this context, the study attempts to analyze the impact of good governance practices on trust in public administration. This is because the level of trust that citizens have in public administration is one of the key determinants of the distance in the state-citizen relationship. Additionally, it is acknowledged that well-functioning governance mechanisms also have an impact on trust in public administration.
 The study, the impact of the governance practices of responsiveness, accountability, transparency, and participation on trust was analyzed. Data were collected from 367 citizens living in the Uşak province (Turkey) through face-to-face and online surveys. The Structural Equation Modeling analysis revealed that all four dimensions of governance had a statistically significant positive effect on citizens' trust in public administration. The lowest impact on trust was observed in the dimension of participation. As a result, it can be said that well-functioning governance mechanisms and processes are a necessity to enhance citizens' trust in public administration at the local level. Furthermore, the development of methods that encourage greater citizen participation in these mechanisms and processes will contribute to increasing trust.

Cryptocurrencies’ Values determined and advantages of Cryptocurrencies investments

Abstract: As long as the government continues to print and distribute currency, inflation will rise and spread across society. A well-functioning government or financial institution isn't necessarily a bad thing if it monitors the market and keeps an eye on the amount of money being issued at any one time. Economic growth and prosperity may be aided by even a little bit of inflation. In other cases, courts have found no misconduct on the part of the government. Since the economy was floundering, they continued to pour cash into it. Hyperinflation occurs when the currency loses almost all of its value. On the other side, investing in digital currencies provides instant access to your money, wherever you are or whatever time of day or night you need it. Despite the fact that your money is still invested, you have the freedom to withdraw it anytime you choose. It is quite legal to withdraw funds from your investment account in the case of an emergency. It's possible that the market may decline and you'll be able to withdraw your money before it's all gone. In this piece of the paper, we will discuss about the cryptocurrencies and its’ investments’ advantages.

Close (Causally Connected) Cousins?

Abstract Trust in one’s fellow citizens and in politicians are both conducive to well-functioning government. Beyond their separate importance, it is a long-standing notion that generalized social trust and political trust are connected in a mutually reinforcing relationship that further undergirds democratic governance. While it is well established that social trust and political trust are robustly positively associated at the individual level, there is much less compelling evidence regarding the causal nature of this relationship. Previous analyses have been unable to adequately rule out confounding and correct for reverse causality. This paper tackles these challenges through data and a research design close to ideally suited for addressing the causal status of the relationship. Using a 20-wave individual-level panel survey from Sweden analyzed using a dynamic panel model, we find evidence for a relatively strong positive causal effect of political trust on social trust, but little evidence for the reverse relationship.

Health system reforms in China a half century apart: Continuity but adaptation.

Well-functioning governance arrangements are an essential, but often overlooked or poorly understood contributor to high quality health systems. Yet governance systems are embedded in institutional structures and shaped by cultural norms that can be difficult to change. We look at a country that has implemented two major health system reforms separated by half a century during which it has undergone remarkable political, economic, and social change. These are the Chinese Patriotic Health Campaign (PHC), beginning in the 1950s, and the New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS), in the 2000s. We use these as case studies to explore how governance arrangements supported the design and implementation of policies implemented on a large scale in these quite different contexts. Drawing on review of archival documents, published literature, and semi-structured interviews with key policy makers, we conclude that few aspects of governance underwent fundamental changes. In both periods, the policy design stage included encouragement of sub-national tiers of government to pilot policy options, accumulate evidence, and disseminate it to others facing similar challenges, all facilitated by clear lines of accountability and a willingness by those at the top of the hierarchy to learn lessons from lower levels. At the implementation stage, rapid scaling up benefitted from leadership by national institutions that could enact regulations and set policy goals and targets for lower tiers of government, evaluating the performance of local government officers in terms of their ability to implement policy, while encouraging local government to pilot innovative measures. These findings highlight the importance of a detailed understanding of governance and how it is shaped by context, demonstrating continuity over long periods even at times of major social, political, and economic change. This understanding can inform future policy development in China and measures to strengthen governance aspects of reforms elsewhere.

THE IMPORTANCE OF USING DIFFERENT METHODS OF ANALYSIS IN DEALING WITH THE CHALLENGES OF COLLUSIVE TENDERING AND OTHER FORMS OF CORRUPTION IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT SYSTEM

This study reviews and examines policy, legislative and institutional frameworks dealing with collusive tendering or bid-rigging as an anti-competitive behaviour and practice in the South African public procurement system. A competitive public procurement system is a constitutional mandate and requirement in South Africa; therefore, the well-functioning government and delivery of services are vital for growth, development and social welfare in any country. The devolution of procurement function assumes that all organs of state have the capability and capacity to detect and prevent anticompetitive behaviour and practices. A postulation is made in this study that public procurement regulations and rules in South Africa are not robust enough on measures to detect and safeguard against bid-rigging and collusive behaviour. Concomitant corruption elements such as the manipulation of the bid specifications, designs, industry and technical standards, and technological choices are also used as tools to undermine competition and aid certain bidders. While competition policy and law are critical in combating the scourge of collusive conduct in the public sector markets, an effective approach involves reforms to the public procurement systems itself. This study advocates for the usage of different methods of analysis in dealing with the challenges of collusive tendering and other forms of corruption in the South African public procurement system. This will require a review of policies, legislation and institutions dealing public procurement and competition.

Impacts of Accountability, Integrity, and Internal Control on Organizational Value Creation: Evidence from Malaysian Government Linked Companies

Credible and well-functioning governance is crucial for the value creation of firms. Recently, private sectors have undergone substantial changes by focusing on good governance as a tool to enhance value, reputation, and image. The primary features of firms with good governance include greater emphasis on accountability practices, proper implementation of a corporate integrity system, and sound internal controls in place to avoid risk and to ensure policy and procedures that are complied. Government linked companies (GLCs) as the backbone of the Malaysian Government have been harshly criticised for not being able to create value(s) despite receiving high priority in the process of getting government projects. Therefore, this study aims to examine the role of good governance systems, which are reflected through accountability systems, corporate integrity systems, and internal control systems towards value creation of Malaysian GLCs. This study collected primary data based on a set of questionnaire survey among 100 GLCs in Malaysia. Based on the regression analysis, this study found that corporate integrity systems and internal control systems were vital elements in ensuring value creation in GLCs.

A war is forever: The long-run effects of early exposure to World War II on trust

This paper examines the long-term effect of conflict on trust by using changes in places and timing of combats during World War II. We focus on the pre-school period, an important life stage for the formation of trust and an age where war exposure may persist throughout life. We find robust evidence that individuals exposed to combats in the first six years of life display lower trust and social engagement well into adulthood. In light of the well-known relationship between trust and collective action, our results lend credence to the theory that violent conflict inhibits well-functioning government in long run.

Influenza vaccination in Albania

Purpose: Influenza vaccination program on health care workers was established during 2014–2015. Influenza seasons and influenza vaccine has been recommended for several risk groups. Our purpose is to present an overview of the current influenza vaccination program and evaluate vaccination administration and coverage among health care workers and other risk groups and influencing factors. Methods & Materials: Questionnaire were prepared based on WHO recommendations such as TIP Flu and distributed to health care workers before the influenza vaccination season. The influenza vaccine supplied by national immunization program was monitored and reported to national level based on a framework and several prepared forms. Data were reported weekly on paper - based forms and processed and stored in an excel database. Results: Administration of influenza vaccine within the cardiovascular target group was ∼ 36% in 2016–2017, while in 2017–2018 season was increased to 42%, and in pregnant women from 0,5% in 2016–2017 to 1% in 2017–2018 season. Elderly above 60 years old are more interested in getting vaccinated against influenza and are the group with the higher administration percentage, in 2016–2017 season was 68,4% while in 2017–2018 season reached 69%. A positive trend was noticed on the vaccination coverage for health care workers from 60% in 2016–2017 to 72% in 2017–2018 season. Conclusion: During the last three years there is an increase commitment on influenza vaccination from government and other partners. Nevertheless, there is still need to keep influenza vaccination, among the priorities within the health agenda. The administration of influenza vaccine among target risk groups has been increased but remains very low among them due to lack of access to the vaccine. Meanwhile the well-functioning government influenza vaccination program of health care workers is showing good results.

Expenditure pattern on diabetes care: A Community based longitudinal study in resettlement colony of East Delhi

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the expensive diseases in the world. The cost of care in diabetes is high mainly because of its chronic nature and complications. Moreover, it affects economically productive section of society. But studies on economic impact of diabetes are very limited in India. The present aims to estimate the annual out of pocket expenditure of diabetic care among diabetics living in an underprivileged community of East Delhi. Methodology: A community based one year longitudinal study was conducted in Kalyanpuri area of East Delhi. All the diabetes patients (consecutive sampling) aged more than 25 years and who were the permanent residents of Kalyanpuri, attending the Diabetic Clinic of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital in November-December 2014were selected for the study. A pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule was used as study tool. Each subject was followed up 3 monthly from January 2015-December 2015. Both direct and indirect expenditure were estimated. Results: Total 153 study subjects were selected out of which 2 migrated and 1 died. So, data from 150 study subjects were collected and analyzed. The Mean and median annual expenditure was Rs. 8,958 ±11,704 and Rs. 4,443 respectively. The mean per capita annual direct expenditure was estimated to be Rs 6,821 ± 9,832 and mean annual indirect expenditure was Rs. 2,137 ± 5,622. Inpatient treatment and medicine are two major heads of expenditure. Conclusion: Expenditure on diabetes care among diabetes patients living in underprivileged community was considerably high despite of having well-functioning government hospital in vicinity of study area.

The Politics of Establishing ICT Governance for Large-Scale Healthcare Information Infrastructures

In Norway, the focus on interoperability and communication across healthcare practices has increased the need to connect ICT portfolios at different levels of healthcare, into large-scale information infrastructures (II). Governing healthcare practices is exceptionally complex, due to the diverging goals and policies of the heterogeneous actors involved. Establish well-functioning ICT governance organizations to handle these large infrastructures is therefore important. Using information infrastructure theory, and governance literature from the IS field, this paper contributes with empirical insight to the longitudinal and political process of establishing ICT governance in a healthcare context, reporting from one of Norway's largest health ICT projects, situated in the North Norway Regional Health Authority in 2012–2016. Our focus was on the following research questions: How does organizational politics shape the process of establishing an ICT governance organization in a heterogeneous healthcare environment, and what does it take to establish such ICT governance organization?

The Bordered World of Cross-border Cooperation: The Determinants of Local Government Contact Networks within Euroregions

The article discusses the determinants of local government contact networks within cross-border cooperation organizations (Euroregions). Relying on social capital theory, a combination of social network and qualitative analytical tools are applied on data from two Scandinavian and two East Central European cases. The analysis reveals that, even in favourable circumstances, contact networks are thin and Euroregions fail to develop into truly integrated political spaces. The analysis also shows that contact patterns on one side of the border, determined primarily by inter-municipal cooperation, will matter for how contact networks are formed across the border. The findings are important, as membership in a Euroregion is expected to foster cross-border political relationships that could have possible spillover effects in terms of encouraging policy cooperation outside the framework of the Euroregion, which in turn would enhance the likelihood of well-functioning cross-border governance spaces.

The Present and Future of Corporate Governance: Re-Examining the Role of the Board of Directors and Investor Relations in Listed Companies

In this paper, we first shed light on the factors that underlie the differences between the ‘shareholder wealth maximization’ and the ‘long-term commitment’ models of corporate governance. By introducing a third type of governance model, we show that a three-dimensional approach provides a better understanding of the dynamics of corporate governance practices. The examination of the three-dimensional model’s focus on growth and value creation provides a powerful catalyst for companies implementing a well-functioning governance structure. Our analysis is supported by case studies of, for instance, Facebook and LinkedIn that illustrate how shareholder value and long-term commitment are very much affected by a firm’s growth and innovation prospects. The second part of the paper provides important insights into practices and strategies that could promote growth and value-creation in listed companies. We show that it is a daunting task to define best practices. However, we use two hand-collected data sets that consist of (1) seventy venture capital backed companies that were involved in IPOs on US stock markets between 2011 and the first half of 2012, and (2) the top-forty of the world’s largest companies in the Financial Times Global 500 2012 List to show how board dynamics can give companies a clear competitive advantage. To gauge the importance of an innovative investor relations’ strategy as an important condition for firm performance, we examine the impact of establishing frequent and timely interactions with investors.

Incentives and regulations to reconcile conservation and development: Thirty years of governance of the Sami pastoral ecosystem in Finnmark, Norway

Incentive-based mechanisms are regarded as efficient instruments to reconcile conservation and development. This win-win objective has been difficult to accomplish; cross-compliance has, therefore, been suggested as a mechanism to ensure sustainability. Cross-compliance, which requires producers to conform to production regulations and environmental standards to qualify for direct payments, has been a popular instrument in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform. Since 1990, cross-compliance has been the main characteristic of policy design in Sami reindeer husbandry in Finnmark, Norway. All direct transfers to the Sami pastoralists have been connected to harvesting demands to decrease the number of reindeer and to conserve pastures. The content of these incentive-based mechanisms are decided through negotiated agreements with the Sami Reindeer Herders' Association of Norway (NRL), and the regulation of reindeer numbers and access to pastures are delegated to co-management boards. Despite the participation of the Sami pastoralists in shaping these policies, win-win objectives have not been achieved. Although the cross-compliance program could have been improved by payment for graded results, the lack of regulations by the administration or co-management boards is more likely to be the cause of failure to reach sustainability. Despite the long-term failures of the cross-compliance program, policies have been slow to change. We might attribute this delay to the NRL's strong position in the negotiated agreements. In general, we argue that the success of the cross-compliance program depends on a well-functioning governance system that can implement regulations and sanctions if incentives do not work as intended.

Reforming Governance for Sustainable Forest Management in Thailand

Sustainable forests require well-functioning governance. This paper examines the question “what challenges will Thailand's laws and institutions have to meet to create a modern context-specific forest governance approach? From a law and institutional research perspective this paper considers the reforms and interventions needed to create a forest governance system that will ensure a sustainable, efficient and equitable forestry system in Thailand.

Constitutional Indifferentism and Republican Freedom

Neo-republicans claim that Hobbes’s constitutional indifferentism (the view that we have no profound reason to prefer one constitutional form over another) is driven exclusively by a reductive understanding of liberty as non-interference. This essay argues that constitutional indifferentism is grounded in an analysis of the institutional presuppositions of well-functioning government that does not depend on a conception of liberty as mere non-interference. Hence, indifferentism cannot be refuted simply by pointing out that non-domination is a distinctive ideal of freedom. This result does not suffice to defend the strong version of indifferentism put forward by Hobbes. But it does point to an important limitation of neo-republican constitutional theory: Neo-republicanism will amount to a distinctive paradigm of constitutional thought only if it is understood in a way that conflicts with Hobbes’s understanding of the institutional presuppositions of well-functioning government. It is doubtful that we have good reason to embrace neo-republicanism, so understood.

Practices and insights on building the corporate governance structure

An retrospective review of the 16-year reforms made by Dongyang People's Hospital for building a corporate governance structure, implementing the president responsibility system under the board of directors, and consolidating the independent legal person status of hospitals. Practices made in the hospital prove that a well-functioning corporate governance structure is key to the separation of hospital administration from service, that of hospital management from operation, and that of hospital ownership from operation right. Moreover, it also serves as an effective model for consolidating the independent legal person status of public hospitals, and promoting their sustainable development, in an effort to carry out reforms in such hospitals. Key words: Public hospitals; Corporate governance structure; President responsibility system; Independent legal person status

Financial Development in Emerging Europe: The Unfinished Agenda

This paper assesses the status of financial development in Emerging Europe, analyzes the factors that have shaped it, and discusses policy priorities. Financial development has progressed to varying degrees across the region. Macroeconomic stability and institutional quality have been important factors. Going forward, the EU integration process is likely to propel further reforms and shape financial development in EU members. In non-EU emerging economies the focus should be on maintaining macroeconomic stability and strengthening law enforceability. Creating a well-functioning government securities market, reinforcing corporate governance and creditor rights protection, and promoting the emergence of institutional investors would be beneficial.

Financial Development in Emerging Europe: The Unfinished Agenda

This paper assesses the status of financial development in Emerging Europe, analyzes the factors that have shaped it, and discusses policy priorities. Financial development has progressed to varying degrees across the region. Macroeconomic stability and institutional quality have been important factors. Going forward, the EU integration process is likely to propel further reforms and shape financial development in EU members. In non-EU emerging economies the focus should be on maintaining macroeconomic stability and strengthening law enforceability. Creating a well-functioning government securities market, reinforcing corporate governance and creditor rights protection, and promoting the emergence of institutional investors would be beneficial.