Journal of Public Administration, Public Affairs, and Management

Revenue Source Trends and Changes in Local Governments: A Case Study of Georgia

Sooho Lee — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Financial stability poses a considerable challenge for many local governments, particularly during periods of resource unpredictability. While diversifying revenue sources is frequently touted as a remedy for fluctuating revenue streams, limited research has delved into the specific new revenue modalities adopted by local governments and how these have transformed their overall revenue structure. This research evaluates revenue diversification trends by analyzing revenue data spanning 1985 to 2015 from 121 of Georgia's largest cities. Findings indicate that special purpose option sales taxes emerged as a significant addition over the three decades. Concurrently, a growing number of local governments have embraced sources like hotel/motel taxes, business licenses, alcohol licenses, and parking fees. Notably, in a majority of the cities studied, revenues from enterprise funds surpassed those from general funds. The study concludes by drawing financial management implications from the observed trends.

Employee Well-being Help to Put Workers Front and Center: The Career Initiatives Priority for Generation Z at Workplace

Isaac Kyle Ferdaus Ahmad — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The S of ESG has received much attention due to the global Covid-19 pandemic situation. The social dimensions in employment which once were ignored or left unattended are now getting traction among Gen Z who will represent a large portion of the workforce. Organizations that are going to recruit new employees should know that Gen Z values health and wellness in the workplace. This generation is driving the change they want to see in the world. They are becoming more politically involved, making a conscious effort to ensure they spend their money with companies that reflect their values and pushing for change on societal issues. Organizations have to rethink their hiring strategy if they intend to attract the best talent. One of the priorities for this generation is an environment that promotes a healthy holistic employee well-being environment. For this to be achieved, many fundamental indicators need to be studied. Person-job (P-J) fit concerning the role and Person-Organization (P-O) fit concerning the culture are instrumental for the newly hired employees to thrive in their careers. When they are mismatched, their well-being will be affected. This could in turn lead to unmotivated interest at work, disengagement, and high turnover. The study is carried out to identify what matters most to this generation. The findings were conclusive that for better employment strategy, organizations must be well prepared to recruit an energetic workforce. It can be done by developing strategic employee programs that include the latest wellness initiatives, creating dynamic job flexibility, relevant job proficiency, better leadership, and a well-connected employee network.

Evolution of e-Service in Thailand: The Public Sector's Role in Streamlining Starting a Business

Thanaporn Tengratanaprasert — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The World Bank's ease of doing business index serves as a tool for international comparison, underlining that digital platforms and regulatory reforms are enablers, not absolute assurances, of entrepreneurial achievement. The discrepancies underscore areas needing development and strategies for streamlining business procedures. In Thailand, a range of laws and strategies are aimed at cultivating a conducive environment for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises. However, enhancements in government efficiency, transparency, holistic digital services, and regulatory reforms are critical for boosting ease of doing business and competitiveness. A mixed-methods approach is applied in this study to ensure comprehensive data precision. The initial stage involves qualitative research to gain a deeper grasp of the topic, followed by quantitative research to provide policy recommendations and laying down directions for effective public service.

Despite digital progress, the Thai government still needs to work on fully transitioning to a digital process, especially in relation to the World Bank's requirements for starting a business. Suggested improvements include integrating the process of reserving a corporate name into the online company registration system, creating a unified business registration platform across all departments, and revisiting the Electronic Transactions Act. The proposed enhancements involve establishing a best practice system for quality and transparency and a dedicated committee for integrating government databases. By adopting these initiatives, government services could be made more efficient, the process of setting up a business could be simplified, and digital services could become more cost-effective and time-saving, thus significantly elevating the ease of doing business in Thailand.

Determinants of Revenue Collection Performance in Tanzanian Local Governments

Hamis Mohamed Sinde — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Tanzania introduced Decentralization by Devolution reforms (D by D) in 1998 whereas one of its objectives is to enhance fiscal autonomy to Local Government Authorities (LGAs). Despite such effort, the level of financial dependence is still very high. This paper examines the determinants of LGAs’ own revenue collection performance as a vital aspect towards reducing the dependence rate. It estimates regression model using panel data of 133 councils aggregated into 25 regions, from 2008/09 which is 10 years after reform introduction to 2018/19. The results indicate that financial dependence ratio, regional share of GDP and own source revenue per capita have negative impact on own source revenue collection performance; they provide unattractive signs towards overall fiscal position of the nation. In contrast, the paper finds that budgeted grant per capita and government grant disbursement ratio have positive impact on own revenue collection performance. The paper recommends the government to re-visit reform execution to eliminate soft budget constraints and other inefficiencies in LGAs’ revenue mobilisation, hence reducing fiscal burden to the central government.

[Retracted Article] Desirable Attributes Transforming an Organization Established under a Special Act into a High-Performance Organization

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

บทความเรื่องนี้ถูกถอดบทความ เนื่องจากคณะกรรมการบริหารโครงการวารสารและเอกสารทางวิชาการ คณะรัฐประศาสนศาสตร์ สถาบันบัณฑิตพัฒนบริหารศาสตร์ ตรวจพบความคล้ายคลึงกันกับบทความเรื่อง "ความสามารถในการบริหารจัดการและการสนองตอบต่อภาวะวิกฤติการแพร่ระบาดของไวรัสโควิด-19 ขององค์การที่จัดตั้งตามพระราชบัญญัติเฉพาะ" ที่ได้รับการตีพิมพ์ในวารสารการจัดการภาครัฐและภาคเอกชน ปีที่ 30 ฉบับที่ 2 เดือนกรกฎาคม – ธันวาคม 2566 ซึ่งเขียนโดยคณะผู้เขียนชุดเดียวกัน

This research aims to examine the key attributes of organizations established under special acts within the context of Thai society that contribute to their status as High-Performance Organizations, effectively achieving their missions. Furthermore, it seeks to propose policies for enhancing the adaptability and responsiveness of these organizations to meet the needs of the nation and its citizens. Qualitative research methods, including document analysis, in-depth interviews, and group interviews, were employed to gather insights. The study involved a purposive sample of nine selected agencies. Data analysis involved concluding the information, identifying patterns, and understanding the phenomena under investigation, ultimately allowing for the formulation of concrete and pertinent policy recommendations. The study's findings reveal several desirable characteristics for organizations established under special acts to achieve High-Performance status within the Thai societal context. These characteristics include:

Organizational Structure: The ability to swiftly adapt and respond to changes (Adaptability), coupled with flexibility (Agility), responsiveness to stakeholders, and the continuous development of work processes and technology.

Organizational Culture: Focusing on raising personnel awareness of service quality, prioritizing continuous learning, valuing competencies, and promoting shared values that prioritize the nation's interests.

Stakeholder Emphasis: Recognizing the importance of stakeholders and responding to external factors, which aids in understanding the genuine needs of service recipients and gaining support from the public sector and network partners.

Member Behavior: Encouraging members within the organization to respond to external factors and appreciate the significance of stakeholders. When such responses align with the organizational culture, they steer the behavior of all individuals within the organization towards shared goals, contributing positively to goal and mission attainment.

Furthermore, the study's results enable the synthesis of a successful organizational ecosystem for organizations established under special acts, which comprises both internal and external factors. At the individual level, effective collaboration and good governance among the organization's board of directors, directors, and the administrative office are essential. At the organizational level, a flexible and adaptable structure, coupled with a focus on cooperation and opportunities for other sectors to participate, is crucial. External success factors encompass freedom from political interference and support from the government and network partners.

Thailand's Policy Discourses during the Thaksin and Prayuth Governments, as Perceived by Thai Academics

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to compare and contrast the policy discourses of Thailand's Thaksin and Prayuth regimes in terms of perceptions, social impacts, and preferences. The rationale for the study is that Thaksin's populism and Prayuth's civil society policies have intriguing policy shifts, continuity, and a distinctive discourse policy personality. Researchers could use poststructuralist discourse theory and critical policy analysis as a post-positivist approach to compare and study the diverse discourse set. Thirty academics from six Thai universities were interviewed for this project, and their utterances were used to analyze and interpret the discursive power of the two policy approaches. Another rationale that researchers about populist policy in developing countries in the past, especially Baykan, Gürsoy and Ostiguy (2021), said that the populist change in Thailand, Venezuela, and Turkey didn't work. Still, the populist program might have survived due to its much more dominant power. This addition tries to back that up. How did this happen, and what caused it? The study shows that Prayuth's policies on civil society could not fully replace the popular programs of the Thaksin government. Civil society was one of the most critical factors in replacement failure. The first only appears in the name; it doesn't appear in their implementation. The second reason is that the Prayuth government didn't think that appealing to the people would work as a populist strategy. Surprisingly, they didn't make poor people in rural areas the goal of their policies or try to change how ordinary people asked to give themselves power in policies.

Servant and Ethical Leadership as Antecedent to Employees' Job Satisfaction at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Caraga Region, Philippines

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the correlation between Servant and Ethical Leadership and Employee Job Satisfaction at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga Region, Philippines. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the research examines the predictive role of servant and ethical leadership in job satisfaction for BFAR-Caraga personnel. Utilizing a standardized questionnaire, the study employs an extensive statistical analysis, encompassing Frequency and Percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation, Spearman rho, Pearson r correlation, one-way ANOVA, Fishers, and Welch tests. Results show that BFAR-Caraga department heads are perceived as proficient leaders, particularly in servant and ethical leadership indicators. Job satisfaction analysis reveals minimal contributions from operating conditions, rewards, and promotion. Significantly, differences are noted in the servant leadership indicator "Empowerment and Standing Back" and the ethical leadership indicator "Moral Person Component" among age groups. Conversely, no significant differences are observed in job satisfaction across age groups, civil status, and gender. The study underscores a significant relationship between job satisfaction levels and servant and ethical leadership demonstrated by BFAR-Caraga department heads. Specifically, servant leadership indicators "Empowerment" and "Stewardship" exhibit a moderate-strong correlation with job satisfaction indicators "Supervision" and "Co-workers." Similarly, two ethical leadership indicators show a moderate-strong correlation with job satisfaction indicators "Supervision," "Co-workers," and "Communication." This research establishes servant and ethical leadership as precursors to employee job satisfaction at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

An Assessment of Myanmar Migrant Workers’ Access to Social Insurance Programs During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Phyo Thiri Mon, Ajirapa Pienkhuntod — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This study explores the access to social insurance programs and obstacles for Myanmar migrant workers in Khon Kaen, Thailand, using a qualitative case study approach with four focus group discussions. Thematic analysis identified five key themes: availability, accessibility, accommodation, affordability, and acceptability. Documented Myanmar workers in Khon Kaen received more social insurance benefits than undocumented Myanmar workers, although they still faced challenges, including language difficulties and gender issues. The findings suggest that access to social insurance programs varied based on immigration status, highlighting the need for more extensive social protection and insurance coverage for migrant workers. The study also highlights the importance of inter-sectoral policies and awareness-raising among migrant workers to facilitate migrant workers' access to social insurance. Overall, this study provides an insight into the challenges faced by Myanmar migrant workers and offers recommendations to improve their access to social insurance.

Women and Political Party System in Nigeria: An Appraisal of All Progressive Congress and People’s Democratic Party

Iyaola Tomilayo Akindele, Isiaka Kolawale Egbowole, Iyua Mbah — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Democracy provides a level playing field for competitiveness for all people, regardless of gender. Any system that claims to be democratic must, in essence, accept a higher standard of open competition, accountability, political rights, and public participation that embraces all societal groups. Democracy encompasses political party’s participation, capable of organizing, educating, and bringing together a variety of social interests. After a protracted period of military dictatorship, Nigeria returned to a democratically elected system of government in 1999, with the first registration of three political parties. Since democracy was restored in the country, the number of citizens who are members of political parties of their choice have increased dramatically. As a result, every member of society has an equal opportunity to participate in the political process through elections. This study investigates women and political party system in Nigeria with focus on two political parties: All Progressive Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in order to assess the role, impact, and factors that are working against women in party partitioning. Feminist theory is one of the components of the study's foundation. The study uses secondary source of data collection and archival method research was employed whereby several scholarly articles, reports, policy statements, publications, records documents were consulted to gather relevant information needed in order to accomplish the stated objectives. This is based on the fact that secondary methods help us to understand women interaction with Nigeria's political party, structures and with the electorates. Therefore, it is important to promote the adoption of internal structures and procedures that are gender-responsive by political parties.

Advancing National Interests in the Global Arena: A Systematic Review on President Duterte’s Foreign Policies

Randy Tudy — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is one of the Philippines' most popular yet controversial presidents. His foreign policies received contrasting reactions from domestic and international sectors. The key goal of this systematic review is to explore President Duterte's foreign policies and how he manages to advance the interests of the Philippines in the global arena. From the initial 979 articles, 13 were finally selected after passing the rigorous evaluation guided by the review protocols. Five themes emerged after analyzing the articles concerning Duterte's foreign policies. These are care for Overseas Filipino Workers, pivot to China, non-reliance with the West, political strategy, and advancing national interests. Though he did not get much support from local and international critics, his dealings with China and Russia allowed the Philippines to increase alliances while maintaining good relations with long-time allies, such as the US and European Union. Duterte’s unpopular and sometimes controversial foreign policies challenge scholars for in-depth inquiry and discussion on existing international relations and political theories.

Rethinking the Developmental State Framework in a Globalized World: Insights from the Singapore Education Policy

Antonio D. Salazar Jr — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The Developmental State framework was a dominant framework for both theory and policymaking in theorizing late-developing countries like Singapore. However, it did not go uncriticized. Free market scholars argued that it does not explain the so-called “Asian Miracles." Contemporary critique argues that globalization has eroded state capacity, hence rendering the model unviable. In this article, the author draws from the experience of Singapore, specifically the education policy as a subject of study, to understand whether the developmental state framework remains to be a viable policy and theoretical tool. The author revisited the development of Singapore from a colony to a modern-day globalized city-state. Through analyzing secondary literature, policy pronouncements, and policy developments, the findings suggest that state-led education policy still has a significant role in the economic development of Singapore. The economic landscape of Singapore has shifted towards a knowledge-based economy with the introduction of globalization. It is argued that the education policy regime of Singapore has evolved along with the changing economic landscape through internationalization. However, despite a liberalizing economy through globalization, state capacity of Singapore remains salient in relation to shaping education policy to maintain a hold on the economic development of the country. This goes against what globalists and new governance theorists argue. Instead, new modalities of governance were developed by Singapore to continue its developmental strategy. Insights from this study demonstrate the continuing relevance of the developmental state framework, specifically state capacity, as a conceptual tool in understanding the role of government in an economy.

Officials’ Live Broadcasting with Goods in China: Administrative Ethics Dilemma and Countermeasures

Xingyan Huang — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Some public administrative officials sell agricultural products of their hometowns on live-broadcast marketing platforms to promote the local economic recovery, which has received widespread attention from society in China. The rise and development of this phenomenon is the result of the integration of Chinese government reform, agricultural product marketing, and online social networking. It has realized the temporary transformation of the identity of government officials, and also tried new social governance methods under e-government. However, the direct “Live broadcasting with goods” by officials is the intersection of commercial marketing and government services, involving both public and private forms, and inevitably including issues of public administration ethics. Some controversies exist about officials’ live broadcasting of goods. This article believes that the act, officials’ live broadcasting with goods, still faces conflicts of interest, responsibility and roles, which requires society to pay more attention. Some positive improvements can further improve the administrative ethical dilemma that officials face in live broadcasting.

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Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700