International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
Two thematic areas have grown in significance in the contemporary scientific literature of public governance, public administration and public management over the past 20 to 30 years: the theory and practice of public value, and theorisation of the neo-Weberian state (NWS). In this paper, we argue that, while these two important thematic areas have so far developed in a mostly unconnected way from each other, they both might benefit from integrating each other's perspective into their theoretical frame, and we outline the contours of such a framework. We argue that the NWS and public value might theoretically be combined in three forms of integration of the respective perspectives: the integration of the NWS conceived of as model with an approach to public value conceived of as an addition of value through the actions by public managers; the NWS as an ideal type with public value conceived of as an addition of value through the actions by public managers; and the NWS as an ideal type with public value conceived of as a contribution to the public sphere. The NWS may benefit from integrating the public value perspective in order to develop some of its core components: how it compounds input legitimacy with output legitimacy, and how it integrates the managerial components into a narrative of managerial action for the public purpose. The perspective of public value may benefit from engaging into a dialogue with NWS, if it aspires to be a truly global paradigm for managing public services.Points for practitioners 1. Public managers could and should pursue courses of action aimed at creating public value within the frame of NWS institutions and processes.2. The adoption of a public value perspective is compatible with an NWS framework and mutually beneficial.3. The development of the NWS in jurisdictions across the world is strengthened by the integration of the public value perspective, which can lead to matching output legitimacy and input legitimacy.
Category Archives: International Review of Administrative Sciences:
Like a bridge over troubled water: Wellbeing and trust in governance during turbulent times
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
The COVID-19 pandemic extended interest in the relationships between citizens and governments in turbulent times of crises and emergencies. While the pandemic generated a critical existential threat to the lives of many, it also had a significant effect on the quality of life and on the wellbeing of even larger populations. This paper deals with the relationship between the wellbeing of citizens and three types of trust in governance (i.e. trust in political institutions, trust in public administration, trust in enforcement institutions) during the pandemic. We aim at advancing knowledge on both wellbeing and trust during crises, and more specifically on direct and indirect patterns of these important relationships. To do so, we suggest alternative models and a series of hypotheses aimed at examining them empirically. Two datasets on Israeli citizens are used. They were collected over two points in time during the heat of the pandemic and toward its decline and end (Study 1/t1; N = 1026 and Study 2/t2; N = 3024) and largely represent major sectors and ethnicities in the population. The findings generally support a positive relationship between wellbeing and trust, but more importantly indicate that during crisis, trust in public administration and enforcement institutions mediates the relationship between wellbeing and trust in political institutions. We thus argue that the public service may act as a bridge between citizens’ wellbeing and political trust. In our view, the findings testify to the complexity of the wellbeing–trust relationship, especially in challenging times. Implications and directions for future studies are suggested.Points for practitioners Trust in governance is different for various political institutions and for different public administration organizations, especially in turbulent timesCivil servants should be aware of citizens’ wellbeing during crises as it affects trust in governanceCitizen trust and wellbeing are significantly related in times of emergency and crises
The COVID-19 pandemic extended interest in the relationships between citizens and governments in turbulent times of crises and emergencies. While the pandemic generated a critical existential threat to the lives of many, it also had a significant effect on the quality of life and on the wellbeing of even larger populations. This paper deals with the relationship between the wellbeing of citizens and three types of trust in governance (i.e. trust in political institutions, trust in public administration, trust in enforcement institutions) during the pandemic. We aim at advancing knowledge on both wellbeing and trust during crises, and more specifically on direct and indirect patterns of these important relationships. To do so, we suggest alternative models and a series of hypotheses aimed at examining them empirically. Two datasets on Israeli citizens are used. They were collected over two points in time during the heat of the pandemic and toward its decline and end (Study 1/t1; N = 1026 and Study 2/t2; N = 3024) and largely represent major sectors and ethnicities in the population. The findings generally support a positive relationship between wellbeing and trust, but more importantly indicate that during crisis, trust in public administration and enforcement institutions mediates the relationship between wellbeing and trust in political institutions. We thus argue that the public service may act as a bridge between citizens’ wellbeing and political trust. In our view, the findings testify to the complexity of the wellbeing–trust relationship, especially in challenging times. Implications and directions for future studies are suggested.Points for practitioners Trust in governance is different for various political institutions and for different public administration organizations, especially in turbulent timesCivil servants should be aware of citizens’ wellbeing during crises as it affects trust in governanceCitizen trust and wellbeing are significantly related in times of emergency and crises
Transformational leadership and public employee performance: The mediating roles of employee participation and public service motivation
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
Despite the growing attention given to the connection between transformational leadership (TL) and job performance (JP), the precise mechanisms driving this association remain inadequately understood. This research delves into diverse causal factors that elucidate the TL–JP relationship. Drawing upon both TL theory and self-determination theory, the study explores the mediating role of employee participation in developing performance measures (PM participation) and public service motivation in the TL–JP relationship. The survey encompassed 208 pairs of employees and their direct managers operating in 208 different public organizations in Vietnam. Employing partial least square regression, the study validates that PM participation and public service motivation partly mediate the TL–JP relationship. The findings furnish valuable insights for managers seeking to enhance the performance of public employees in Vietnam and within emerging economies characterized by comparable structures.Points for PractitionersThis study advocates for public sector leaders to adopt a transformational leadership approach. It emphasizes the importance of encouraging employee participation in the design, implementation and improvement of performance measures. Such engagement is anticipated to boost public service motivation, subsequently contributing to increased work efficiency among employees.
Despite the growing attention given to the connection between transformational leadership (TL) and job performance (JP), the precise mechanisms driving this association remain inadequately understood. This research delves into diverse causal factors that elucidate the TL–JP relationship. Drawing upon both TL theory and self-determination theory, the study explores the mediating role of employee participation in developing performance measures (PM participation) and public service motivation in the TL–JP relationship. The survey encompassed 208 pairs of employees and their direct managers operating in 208 different public organizations in Vietnam. Employing partial least square regression, the study validates that PM participation and public service motivation partly mediate the TL–JP relationship. The findings furnish valuable insights for managers seeking to enhance the performance of public employees in Vietnam and within emerging economies characterized by comparable structures.Points for PractitionersThis study advocates for public sector leaders to adopt a transformational leadership approach. It emphasizes the importance of encouraging employee participation in the design, implementation and improvement of performance measures. Such engagement is anticipated to boost public service motivation, subsequently contributing to increased work efficiency among employees.
In unsteady waters: How mayors and chief administrative officers make sense of a public service bargain in disequilibrium
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
Public service bargains (PSBs) have become a central heuristic to understand the relationship between politicians and senior bureaucrats. In this article, we add to the existing literature by exploring how both politicians and senior bureaucrats make sense of a PSB in disequilibrium. Based on individual and focus group interviews and six case studies of breakdown in the bargain, we find that bargains may be unstable due to both changing circumstances and differences in interpretations. We add to previous research by demonstrating how the differences in interpretations may manifest themselves along two dimensions, that is, in the balance between the types of competences and rewards that should be included in the bargain as perceived by politicians and senior civil servants, as well as how the competences and rewards agreed upon are interpreted.Points for practitioners The way mayors and chief administrative officers (CAOs) understand their relationship (the public service bargain) can sometimes reach a state of disequilibrium.This study explores how such a disequilibrium is interpreted by the relevant actors in terms of competences and rewards.Proactive renegotiation and alignment between mayors and CAOs is essential in responding to individual and relational dynamics to ensure efficient and legitimate cooperation between political and administrative actors.
Public service bargains (PSBs) have become a central heuristic to understand the relationship between politicians and senior bureaucrats. In this article, we add to the existing literature by exploring how both politicians and senior bureaucrats make sense of a PSB in disequilibrium. Based on individual and focus group interviews and six case studies of breakdown in the bargain, we find that bargains may be unstable due to both changing circumstances and differences in interpretations. We add to previous research by demonstrating how the differences in interpretations may manifest themselves along two dimensions, that is, in the balance between the types of competences and rewards that should be included in the bargain as perceived by politicians and senior civil servants, as well as how the competences and rewards agreed upon are interpreted.Points for practitioners The way mayors and chief administrative officers (CAOs) understand their relationship (the public service bargain) can sometimes reach a state of disequilibrium.This study explores how such a disequilibrium is interpreted by the relevant actors in terms of competences and rewards.Proactive renegotiation and alignment between mayors and CAOs is essential in responding to individual and relational dynamics to ensure efficient and legitimate cooperation between political and administrative actors.
Transparency in the use of assets confiscated from mafia organizations
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
Several remedies can be adopted in the fight against organized crime and mafias. One of the most effective is the confiscation of their assets. After confiscation, assets can be used to provide services to citizens, frequently thanks to the support of non-profit organizations. With a focus on Italy, this study investigates the transparency of the confiscation process and the factors that explain why local governments provide (or do not provide) information on confiscated assets.Points for practitionersTo facilitate dialogue with citizens, it is essential to consider the perspective of data users, so as to avoid focusing on the data provider. Such a dialogue can aid the adequate reuse of assets confiscated from the mafia and other criminal organizations, contributing to the ‘social’ fight against them. This article contributes to the debate on both transparency and studies on mafia organizations, providing a new insight through the consideration of how external pressures can drive public-sector entities to be more transparent.
Several remedies can be adopted in the fight against organized crime and mafias. One of the most effective is the confiscation of their assets. After confiscation, assets can be used to provide services to citizens, frequently thanks to the support of non-profit organizations. With a focus on Italy, this study investigates the transparency of the confiscation process and the factors that explain why local governments provide (or do not provide) information on confiscated assets.Points for practitionersTo facilitate dialogue with citizens, it is essential to consider the perspective of data users, so as to avoid focusing on the data provider. Such a dialogue can aid the adequate reuse of assets confiscated from the mafia and other criminal organizations, contributing to the ‘social’ fight against them. This article contributes to the debate on both transparency and studies on mafia organizations, providing a new insight through the consideration of how external pressures can drive public-sector entities to be more transparent.
Seen but not partisan: Changing expectations of public servants in Westminster systems
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
Much has been written about the changing role of unelected public servants in Westminster systems of government and their relationship with elected officials and the public. However, there are no studies comparing how these three groups perceive the role, and what they expect from public servants. This article provides the findings from three surveys of public servants, politicians and the public in Canada to assess how they view the role of the public servant and how this compares to different conceptions in the academic literature. The study finds that all three groups support the principles of ministerial responsibility and non-partisanship but do not believe that public servants should be anonymous and free from public scrutiny. This raises the question of whether some aspects of the traditional public servant role can be altered while keeping others in place and suggests that advocates for altering the role of the public servant will be most successful if they focus on certain aspects while preserving others.Points for PractitionersThe principles of ministerial responsibility and public service non-partisanship are supported by the public, politicians, and public servants themselves.There is a desire among these three groups for public servants to become less anonymous, face more public scrutiny and engage more with external actors.The public and politicians’ expectations surrounding public servants’ political activities are still unclear, although a large majority of public servants believe they can be politically active outside of work.
Much has been written about the changing role of unelected public servants in Westminster systems of government and their relationship with elected officials and the public. However, there are no studies comparing how these three groups perceive the role, and what they expect from public servants. This article provides the findings from three surveys of public servants, politicians and the public in Canada to assess how they view the role of the public servant and how this compares to different conceptions in the academic literature. The study finds that all three groups support the principles of ministerial responsibility and non-partisanship but do not believe that public servants should be anonymous and free from public scrutiny. This raises the question of whether some aspects of the traditional public servant role can be altered while keeping others in place and suggests that advocates for altering the role of the public servant will be most successful if they focus on certain aspects while preserving others.Points for PractitionersThe principles of ministerial responsibility and public service non-partisanship are supported by the public, politicians, and public servants themselves.There is a desire among these three groups for public servants to become less anonymous, face more public scrutiny and engage more with external actors.The public and politicians’ expectations surrounding public servants’ political activities are still unclear, although a large majority of public servants believe they can be politically active outside of work.
‘Mind the board!’: Board efficacy, managerial role dilemmas and performance in municipally owned corporations
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
Globally, the corporatisation of local public services has gained substantive momentum over the past decades. However, there is a research gap concerning the functioning of governance bodies, particularly boards, in municipally owned corporations as hybrid organisations. In this study, analysing German municipally owned corporations, we investigate the relationship between supervisory board efficacy, as attributed by chief executive officers, and perceived organisational performance. We do not find a direct relationship; instead, we find evidence for a ‘catalyser’ relationship: board efficacy alleviates managerial role dilemmas, thus removing obstacles to organisational performance. The results imply that particular attention needs to be paid to the enhancement of competencies of board members and their collaboration. Limitations are outlined.Points for practitioners• ‘Good governance’ of hybrid organisations requires effective boards, which – albeit indirectly – ultimately result in better corporate performance.• Board efficacy alleviates managerial role dilemmas, thus removing obstacles to performance.• The results imply that particular attention needs to be paid to the enhancement of competencies of board members and their collaboration.
Globally, the corporatisation of local public services has gained substantive momentum over the past decades. However, there is a research gap concerning the functioning of governance bodies, particularly boards, in municipally owned corporations as hybrid organisations. In this study, analysing German municipally owned corporations, we investigate the relationship between supervisory board efficacy, as attributed by chief executive officers, and perceived organisational performance. We do not find a direct relationship; instead, we find evidence for a ‘catalyser’ relationship: board efficacy alleviates managerial role dilemmas, thus removing obstacles to organisational performance. The results imply that particular attention needs to be paid to the enhancement of competencies of board members and their collaboration. Limitations are outlined.Points for practitioners• ‘Good governance’ of hybrid organisations requires effective boards, which – albeit indirectly – ultimately result in better corporate performance.• Board efficacy alleviates managerial role dilemmas, thus removing obstacles to performance.• The results imply that particular attention needs to be paid to the enhancement of competencies of board members and their collaboration.
Fiscal transparency and tax morale: is the relationship shaped by perceptions of government performance and corruption?
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
The potential of fiscal transparency to improve tax morale (or the willingness to pay taxes) has been widely studied. However, the strength of the fiscal transparency-tax morale relationship may depend on how citizens perceive government performance and corruption. To probe these questions, this study draws on data from the World Values Survey Wave 7 (2017–2022), comprising 70,203 respondents from 48 countries, as well as various international governance indicators. The findings suggest that when individuals perceive more government corruption, fiscal transparency is associated with lower tax morale. In contrast, when individuals perceive better government performance, fiscal transparency has limited influence on tax morale. The results imply that the effect of fiscal transparency on tax morale is context dependent and, moreover, may backfire in countries with high levels of perceived corruption. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.Points for practitionersCitizens’ perceptions of government may influence their reactions to fiscal transparency. Efforts to boost willingness to pay taxes through greater fiscal transparency should also consider citizens’ views on government corruption.
The potential of fiscal transparency to improve tax morale (or the willingness to pay taxes) has been widely studied. However, the strength of the fiscal transparency-tax morale relationship may depend on how citizens perceive government performance and corruption. To probe these questions, this study draws on data from the World Values Survey Wave 7 (2017–2022), comprising 70,203 respondents from 48 countries, as well as various international governance indicators. The findings suggest that when individuals perceive more government corruption, fiscal transparency is associated with lower tax morale. In contrast, when individuals perceive better government performance, fiscal transparency has limited influence on tax morale. The results imply that the effect of fiscal transparency on tax morale is context dependent and, moreover, may backfire in countries with high levels of perceived corruption. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.Points for practitionersCitizens’ perceptions of government may influence their reactions to fiscal transparency. Efforts to boost willingness to pay taxes through greater fiscal transparency should also consider citizens’ views on government corruption.
A public sector financial management maturity model for developing countries: the case of Iran
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
Maturity models (MMs) are used as a reference framework in various fields. In the public sector (PS), the principles of good governance have necessitated an evolution in financial reporting. This study aimed to design a model of accounting and financial maturity for PS reporting units. This study has a mixed-methods design. The initial MM was designed using a systematic review and expert panel discussions. Then, five focus group interviews were held over seven sessions. Next, a questionnaire was distributed among Iranian PS experts to validate the components of the MM. Thirty-two people filled out the questionnaire. A binomial test was used to validate the dimensions of the model. The outcome of this study was the design of a MM for accounting and financial reporting in PS units. The model was designed in five levels and includes eight dimensions, namely leadership, budgeting and financial planning, financial leadership and supervision, efficiency and effectiveness, rules and regulations, financial reporting, human capital and information technology. This model can be used as a basis for assessing the performance of PS units and to implement good governance in organizations. This model is applicable to all developing countries that utilize the revised International PS Accounting Standards and seek to establish a new PS management approach and performance-based budgeting.
Maturity models (MMs) are used as a reference framework in various fields. In the public sector (PS), the principles of good governance have necessitated an evolution in financial reporting. This study aimed to design a model of accounting and financial maturity for PS reporting units. This study has a mixed-methods design. The initial MM was designed using a systematic review and expert panel discussions. Then, five focus group interviews were held over seven sessions. Next, a questionnaire was distributed among Iranian PS experts to validate the components of the MM. Thirty-two people filled out the questionnaire. A binomial test was used to validate the dimensions of the model. The outcome of this study was the design of a MM for accounting and financial reporting in PS units. The model was designed in five levels and includes eight dimensions, namely leadership, budgeting and financial planning, financial leadership and supervision, efficiency and effectiveness, rules and regulations, financial reporting, human capital and information technology. This model can be used as a basis for assessing the performance of PS units and to implement good governance in organizations. This model is applicable to all developing countries that utilize the revised International PS Accounting Standards and seek to establish a new PS management approach and performance-based budgeting.
Setting sustainability agenda at the local level: a process of compromise making
International Review of Administrative Sciences, Ahead of Print.
This paper examines how local actors set the sustainability agenda. By relying on the economies of worth, we explain how actors dwell upon multiple worlds to evaluate what is valuable, what is not valuable, and to promote their views. Empirically, we draw evidence from the Walloon region in Belgium, by investigating how multiple actors discuss their views in an attempt to set a sustainability agenda. We outline the multiple worlds that actors refer to during their interaction, the moments of critiques and how a compromise is shaped where the green world is given a significant prominence. Furthermore, we identify a set of mechanisms that facilitated the multi-actor interaction to shape a collective compromise as a continuous process.Points for practitioners(1) Local governments play a crucial role in sustainability policies due to their proximity to local communities, enabling the development of tailored solutions, and direct engagement with citizens to address local environmental and social challenges.(2) Agenda-setting in local sustainability policies is intricate and frequently contentious due to the diverse values, interests, and preferences of all involved stakeholders.(3) Drawing on Boltanski and Thévenot's orders of worth theory, this paper offers researchers and practitioners an approach to unpack and understand the varied values, interests, and preferences of all involved stakeholders.(4) This paper identifies and elucidates three mechanisms (reflection, engagement, and alteration) that facilitate interactions among stakeholders, allowing them to reach a compromise on a shared sustainability agenda.
This paper examines how local actors set the sustainability agenda. By relying on the economies of worth, we explain how actors dwell upon multiple worlds to evaluate what is valuable, what is not valuable, and to promote their views. Empirically, we draw evidence from the Walloon region in Belgium, by investigating how multiple actors discuss their views in an attempt to set a sustainability agenda. We outline the multiple worlds that actors refer to during their interaction, the moments of critiques and how a compromise is shaped where the green world is given a significant prominence. Furthermore, we identify a set of mechanisms that facilitated the multi-actor interaction to shape a collective compromise as a continuous process.Points for practitioners(1) Local governments play a crucial role in sustainability policies due to their proximity to local communities, enabling the development of tailored solutions, and direct engagement with citizens to address local environmental and social challenges.(2) Agenda-setting in local sustainability policies is intricate and frequently contentious due to the diverse values, interests, and preferences of all involved stakeholders.(3) Drawing on Boltanski and Thévenot's orders of worth theory, this paper offers researchers and practitioners an approach to unpack and understand the varied values, interests, and preferences of all involved stakeholders.(4) This paper identifies and elucidates three mechanisms (reflection, engagement, and alteration) that facilitate interactions among stakeholders, allowing them to reach a compromise on a shared sustainability agenda.