Place leadership theory explains how collaborative leadership among local actors shapes the development of places and the well-being of local populations. Prior research has concentrated primarily on the role of public authorities in places. However, other stakeholders, such as non-profit organizations, also contribute to fulfilling the needs of local populations. This research examines local foundations, a distinct subgroup within the non-profit sector, which are committed to enhancing the quality of life in their operational areas. We build on the theoretical assumption that non-profit organizations provide services when markets and governments fail. Based on interviews with three foundations in the cross-border region of the Upper Rhine (France, Germany, and Switzerland), we investigate the role of foundations in increasing the quality of life in places. To triangulate our findings, we also interview stakeholders from the public and private sectors, target groups, and civil society organizations. Our findings show that foundations exercise place leadership through informal power, knowledge sharing, and flexible networks that foster dialogue and coordination among local stakeholders, including strong ties to public-sector actors. Their endowment-based resources enable independent project implementation and position foundations as genuine place leaders that create public value by filling those gaps left by market and government failures.
Constructive cooperation between municipal administrations and independent public service providers, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), establishes favourable conditions for the development and dissemination of best practices in the delivery of high-quality social services. This research aimed to assess the development and effectiveness of cooperation between a municipal administration and NGOs in delivering social services, using Marijampolė municipality as a case study. A qualitative empirical approach, comprising interviews and focus group discussions, was employed. The Stakeholder Relationship Management Maturity (SRMM) model was used to evaluate the level of cooperation. The municipality chosen for the present analysis is distinguished by a substantial presence of NGOs actively delivering services. The research findings indicate that, according to the SRMM model, the maturity of cooperation between municipal administrations and NGOs in providing social services is primarily at the procedural level, whereas relational aspects are evident within the process standardisation dimension. To foster mature cooperation, it is recommended that participants within the cooperation network establish a shared vision regarding the future of social service provision and the role of NGOs. The findings of the empirical research underscore the necessity for participants in a cooperation network to cultivate competencies essential for sustaining and enhancing cooperation (e.g. communication, conflict resolution) and highlight the importance of establishing a unified culture of cooperation. Keywords: NGOs; social service;, maturity of co-operation; municipality; co-creation; provision of public services.
Healthcare systems face ongoing challenges that require reforms to enhance innovation, accessibility, and efficiency. Lithuania’s healthcare reform aims to enhance equity, quality, and sustainability by reorganising its service network. However, implementation has revealed unintended effects, including “network compression”, where large hospitals absorb services from smaller regional facilities, deepening regional inequality and limiting accessibility for rural populations. A qualitative research method with 22 informants was employed. Healthcare professionals are reporting growing fatigue, increased administrative burdens, and a decline in empathy in patient care. These outcomes highlight how efficiency-oriented policies can unintentionally depersonalise services and marginalise regional healthcare providers. Based on interviews with healthcare professionals, this study examines how reforms transform everyday clinical practices and local service delivery. The findings underscore the need to balance efficiency-driven reforms with empathy, professional autonomy, and equitable access to healthcare. Keywords: unintended consequences; urban–rural divide; health service; reform.
This article explores the role of network management in enhancing the effectiveness of public policy implementation in multi-actor and complex project contexts. Using a theoretical-conceptual approach and secondary literature, the study synthesizes institutional, relational, and meta-governance perspectives, illustrated with empirical evidence from tobacco prevention policy in Switzerland. The findings indicate that active network management—through facilitation, mediation, and consensus building—strengthens implementation performance, particularly in conflict-prone policy environments. Contextual factors, including institutional status, network integration, managerial workload, and a policy design phase, as well as temporal dimensions, such as long-term engagement and adaptive learning, influence the success of these strategies. Practically, the article emphasizes strengthening managerial capacities, inter-actor coordination, and continuous evaluation to improve the effectiveness of public policy implementation. Keywords: network management; governance; collaborative; public policy.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the application of project management tools and methods in the state (public) sector. The relevance and significance of the chosen research topic is determined by the need to implement methods for optimizing the management of public resources, including financial resources, in order to achieve the goals set for government agencies. Project management, implemented at different levels of public administration, is focused on the creation and implementation of activities limited by time frames, budgetary funds and available resources. Projects are characterized by clear goals, detailed distribution of tasks and performance indicators. Project management is actively used in the field of public administration to implement reforms, effectively allocate investments, maximize social results at optimal costs, and develop strategic plans for the development of specific managed areas. The aim of the study is to determine current trends in the development of project management in government agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its impact on the performance of these bodies. Qualitative and quantitative data were used for data analysis methods of analysis. Using percentages and tabular presentations in combination with the correlation coefficient. Keywords: Project management; project-based approach; national projects; project management in the public sector; project execution; project management tools; project readiness.
Public policy is often judged at delivery points, community forums, and the routine administrative work that keeps programmes running. In capacity‑constrained settings, accountability can become a paradox: documentation and reporting strengthen procedural control, while trust remains fragile when verification is costly. This study explains how implementation accountability routines shape social trust and perceived legitimacy in a performance‑oriented local service programme linked to minimum service standards. We use a qualitative explanatory case study. Data combine 38 semi‑structured interviews across key local actors and programme documents. Using an abductive thematic approach, we trace mechanism pathways connecting accountability routines, verification constraints, and citizen perceptions. We find (i) a persistent trust deficit tied to information asymmetry and principal–agent vulnerabilities; (ii) extensive accountability work through audit trails, bank‑based disbursement, compulsory bookkeeping, and routine reporting, including downward accountability within groups; and (iii) performance accountability through outcome reporting alongside risks of paper compliance and indicator‑driven distortion under limited field verification. We contribute a mechanism‑based explanation of when procedural accountability becomes socially recognised legitimacy and when it does not, and we derive design implications for accountability under high transaction costs, including capacity support, usable citizen‑facing transparency, and risk‑based verification. Keywords: implementation accountability; reporting routines; social trust; minimum service standards; risk-based verification.
This study examines how dogotal transformation contributes to modernizing the management of local public ficilities in Tlemcen Province, Algeria. Despite increasing attention to digitalization, limited research addresses the key enablers of its success in local governance. Based on data from 273 public sector employees and analyzed using PLS-SEM via SmartPLS, the study finds that human, physical,legal, and security requirements positively influence digital transformation. In turn, digital transformation significantly improves the efficiency, responsiveness, and quality of public facility management. The results underscore the need for strategic resource integration and policy and reform in developing countries. Keywords: digital transformation; public facilities; PLS-SEM; Algeria.
This paper explores how Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has successfully cultivated a culture of innovation within its public sector amid the challenges of digital transformation. Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative policy analysis and quantitative assessment of key national indicators (DTI, PAR INDEX, SIPAS, PII, and DDCI), the study demonstrates that HCMC’s achievements stem from a well-structured three-pillar model encompassing (1) institutional framework, (2) digital technology, and (3) human and innovation ecosystem. Empirical evidence from 2020–2024 indicates that this model has enhanced governance efficiency, improved citizen satisfaction, and strengthened the city’s competitiveness. HCMC has transitioned from a traditional administrative government to a “facilitating government” that fosters experimentation, risk-taking, and collaboration. The findings offer valuable insights for other local governments in Vietnam seeking to institutionalize innovation culture as a foundation for sustainable development in the digital era. Keywords: Innovation culture; public governance; digital transformation; Ho Chi Minh City; institutional reform.
This study examines the effect of public policy on enhancing nutrition to reduce in Banyumas Regency. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examines the effectiveness of Banyumas Regent Regulation Number 25 of 2020 in reducing the prevalence of stunting through targeted and sensitive nutritional interventions. Quantitative data were collected through a survey of families with toddlers participating in the program, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with stakeholders. The interim analysis reveals that, although there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of in 2022, the resurgence in 2023 highlights the program's sustainability challenges. Factors such as program implementation, cross-sector coordination, and public awareness determine the success of the policy. This research offers strategic recommendations to enhance interventions, bolster organizational capacity, and expand program reach, aiming to achieve the national target of reducing stunting to below 20%. Keywords: policy; stunting; nutrition; impact evaluation; Banyumas Regency; Indonesia.
The attractiveness of regional areas to young people has gained growing academic attention, particularly within the context of demographic shifts, urban-rural disparities, and education. In focusing on the Sūduva region of Lithuania, the paper examines how education can be strategically used as a lever to administer regional appeal among young people. By analysing the interplay between local educational institutions and broader regional development goals, the study highlights context-specific solutions for youth attraction and retention. Existing research emphasises that regional attractiveness is multifaceted, encompassing economic opportunities, quality of life, social infrastructure, cultural identity and connectivity. Education is one of the factors that influences young people's decision to relocate and settle in specific regions. Researchers agree that the factors influencing the choice of educational institutions (EIs) fall into two categories. The first relates to the specific location of the EIs, considering aspects such as the region's transport infrastructure, housing quality for students, and the local community. The second category pertains directly to the EIs themselves, including their reputation, visibility, study programs, quality, and opportunities for student mobility. This study aims to investigate increased attractiveness as a factor in making local EIs more appealing alternatives for students living in the Sūduva region. The goal is to develop a model of essential EI approaches that can serve as a guide for establishing a framework of strategic, integrated policies that resonate with local identity and aspirations. This approach can position Sūduva as a competitive and vibrant region for youth retention and attraction, contributing to balanced territorial development in Lithuania. Methodology. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to comprehensively assess the attractiveness of the Sūduva region for young people through education. This methodology allows for data triangulation, ensuring robust and nuanced insights. A structured questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of 171 young residents (ages 18-35) within the Sūduva region. The survey aimed to quantify factors influencing regional attractiveness, such as employment opportunities, educational facilities, quality of life, social services, and connectivity. Likert scales measured perceptions and levels of importance, while demographic data provided context for analysis. To complement the survey, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine stakeholders, including local government officials, business owners, educators, and young residents who have recently returned or considered returning to the region. These interviews explored perceptions of regional strengths and weaknesses, aspirations, and suggestions for improving attractiveness through education. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and multiple regression to identify key determinants of attractiveness through education and their relative influence. Qualitative data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, identifying recurring themes, narratives, and local perspectives that contextualize the survey findings. Findings. The integration of quantitative and qualitative data presents a compelling view of Sūduva’s appeal to young people through education, emphasizing both its promising opportunities and the challenges that must be addressed. Conclusions. The findings highlight that administering regional appeal through education requires integrating academic opportunities with cultural, social, and economic dimensions of regional life. However, aligning local education with future-oriented industries is critical for enhancing Sūduva's vibrant attraction for youth. Keywords: Youth retention; administering; regional attractiveness; education policy.
The article examines the issue of optimizing the public governance system in the national security of Ukraine in view of the growing hybrid threats. The aim of the study was to identify structural imbalances to find the role of public governance as a factor in strengthening national security. The research employed the following methods: an integrative approach that combines elements of content analysis of strategic documents, indicator assessment, data normalization and construction of an Integral Index of National Security, graphical analysis. The need to transform traditional governance approaches is emphasized, taking into account the multidimensionality of current challenges. The proposed Integral Index of National Security covers key areas: military, political, economic, social, and cyber-information. The results of the assessment demonstrate an imbalance between priority (military and cyber) and vulnerable (economic and political) components. The need for the implementation of hybridized public administration, integrating public and private resources, is identified, and the importance of proactive threat forecasting is emphasized. Conceptual models of management response to hybrid threats are proposed, which involve the active integration of civil society, digital technologies, and the private sector into security processes. Keywords: national security; hybrid threats; governance; vulnerability; terrorism; security policy; public administration.
This study employs legal document analysis and PAPI data to clarify the evolution of citizen participation in local governance in Vietnam from policy to practice. The legal framework has continuously expanded the scope of actors, forms, levels of participation, and mechanisms for exercising citizens’ democratic rights. However, PAPI indicators show that actual citizen participation remains limited, and progress is slow, especially in terms of information transparency and local government accountability. A significant gap persists between policy and implementation: while participatory rights have expanded on paper, their enforcement in practice is often formalistic and has a low impact. The study contributes by proposing an integrated approach that combines legal and empirical analysis to assess grassroots democracy (GRD), providing evidence-based insights to inform policies for more effective and democratic local governance. Keywords: citizen participation; local governance; PAPI, grassroots democracy; Vietnam.
This study analyzes the impact of electoral system reforms on the level of civic engagement in Kazakhstan in the context of political transformations initiated after the 2019 power transition. The analysis is grounded in the theoretical framework of participatory democracy, which views broader citizen involvement as a prerequisite for enhancing the legitimacy and accountability of political institutions. Special attention is given to gender stratification within the electoral system and its influence on political representation. The case of Kazakhstan is explored within the broader context of post-Soviet transitional societies, where electoral reforms play a key role in the institutionalization of democratic norms. The applied methodology has a universal character and can be adapted to studies of similar processes in countries with comparable political conditions. Keywords: democracy; elections; civic engagement; gender quotas; process; development; participation.
Although regional autonomy has been implemented for more than two decades in Indonesia, this topic is still interesting to discuss. This research aims to discuss some issues around regional autonomy in Indonesia, particularly viewed from an academic perspective. This study used a literature review approach. Data were obtained from the Scopus and Taylor and Francis Group databases, with “regional autonomy” and “Indonesia” being the keywords. The publication period is from 2000 to 2021. The results of the research show that there are interesting issues regarding agroforestry management and economic disintegration tegration related to regional autonomy in Indonesia during that period. Firstly, good agroforestry management can be an attraction to the improved regional economy. Secondly, economic disintegration is one of the factors leading to regional separatism or a movement performed by a region to release itself from a state, due to one region’s envy of other, more advanced and richer regions. A solution to the first issue is to have multi-level governance that will ensure high-quality oversight of agroforestry management. Meanwhile, a solution to the second issue is to secure foreign investment to prevent economic disintegration in each region, which would harm the region and the state in the future.Keywords: economic disintegration, Indonesia, regional autonomy.
This article positions Kybernology as a Global South—rooted alternative in governmental science, engaging the mainstream governance paradigm in critical dialogue. Drawing on a systematic literature review (SLR) of 27 publications (1964–2025) from Scopus and Google Scholar, it synthesizes insights across ontology, epistemology, and axiology, and across macro, meso, and micro levels. Findings show governance excels in architecture and instruments (network design and accountability), while Kybernology foregrounds state–citizen relations and process values (procedural fairness, responsibility, and service recovery). Epistemically, standard good governance indicators should be complemented by citizen experience–based measures, i.e., trust, fairness, dignity, and civic voice, as coequal evidence. The article proposes a Hybrid Governance–Kybernology Model, encompassing macro institutional architecture, meso process values, and micro citizen control, undergirded by an epistemic layer of cognitive justice. Overall, government performance depends on the combination of institutional effectiveness and relational legitimacy. Kybernology is, therefore, not merely acritique but a strategic Indonesian contribution that enriches global theories and practices of governance. Keywords: Kybernology, governance theory, government studies, Global South epistemology
Abstract. The paper analyses the trends of organizational resilience management in Lithuanian central government institutions based on the concept of "bounce-back," examining the impact on the organization from both the internal and external environments, incorporating the resulting uncertainty conditions conceptualized through the prism of the organization's available information for decision making. The results of an empirical qualitative study and a semi-structured interview with 22 experts in management positions from 19 central government organizations in the Lithuanian public sector suggest that performance deterioration in Lithuanian central government organizations arises from both the internal and the external environment. The study reveals that the strength and the frequency of these impacts are comparably similar in each environment, affecting organizational performance with regular and unexpected factors. Regular environmental influences tend to create conditions of moderate uncertainty, where information is either known and available or there is a constant demand for new information acquisition. Unexpected environmental influences tend to create high uncertainty conditions, where there is a persistent need for information to make decisions, escalating to not knowing what information is needed and where it can be obtained. According to the experts' responses, to manage resilience and decision-making under uncertainty, organizations need to invest in information processing and dissemination capacities through various forms of intra-organizational communication channels, with a particular emphasis on the free flow of information between each other and on a substantive, live communication between managers, both limiting and expanding the information provided. Effective knowledge management and learning processes that help organizations adapt to changing conditions are best supported by personnel who possess institutional memory, suitable digitization of management information, and active engagement in national networking (or international networking if no national equivalent exists). Inadequate preparation for periods of negative impact disrupts the organization's information exchange, and the learning element becomes unmanageable, especially if the negative impact situations are frequent and unforeseen, depriving the organization of the necessary time to "breathe in, look back and learn, consolidate learning." Keywords: public management, organizational resilience management, bounce-back, conditions of uncertainty, qualitative research.
This article introduces the Selective Risk-Based Resilience (SRBR) framework as a critical and context-sensitive approach to immigration governance in the Global South, with Indonesia, specifically Bali, as a key case. Rooted in theories of biopolitics, securitization, and postcolonial bordering, SRBR explains how the state regulates foreign mobility not merely through legal enforcement but through cultural values, moral narratives, and selective risk classification. Drawing on critical discourse analysis of government documents, media coverage, and interviews with immigration officials, the study uncovers how migration control in Bali operates as a mechanism to maintain institutional legitimacy and cultural identity amid limited administrative capacity. Beyond its theoretical contribution, this study highlights how SRBR can inform more adaptive and locally grounded public policies. It offers practical insights for policymakers to develop selective visa regimes, enhance community-based monitoring, and align immigration governance with public values. In this way, SRBR supports a more balanced model of migration management that respects both national resilience and human security and has the potential to be applicable across the Global South. Keywords: Selective Risk-Based Resilience, SRBR, immigration governance, public policy, administrative reform, human security
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a company-centered approach to a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, and it is aimed at enhancing community welfare. This research examines the collaboration of the quadruple helix, which includes government, industry, academia, and civil society, and seeks to develop an innovation model for managing CSR programs in the Kolaka and South Konawe districts of Southeast Sulawesi Province. The research employed a qualitative method with a descriptive analysis approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and documentation. The results indicated that collaboration among the quadruple actors in managing CSR programs was not optimal due to a lack of coordination and communication. The CSR/TJSLP forum, intended as a platform for stakeholders, struggled to formulate effective programs because of differing perspectives on CSR program management, leading to insufficient motivation to establish long-term communication and cooperation. Therefore, it is essential to innovate a robust form of collaboration through the institutional development of the CSR/TJSLP forum. The proposed institutional innovation model for collaborative CSR program management is the hexa helix model, which includes government, academia, companies, civil society, mass media, and law enforcement. The inclusion of these two additional actors is a crucial strategy for enhancing the impact and effectiveness of CSR programs, as it fosters a diversity of viewpoints and expertise in decision-making related to CSR program management. This approach also helps increase access to resources, including finance, expertise, and networks. This research has long-term implications, both for companies and the community. For companies, strengthening collaboration in managing CSR programs through the hexa helix model will increase social legitimacy (social license to operate), build a positive image of a company, and encourage the creation of sustainable partnerships with stakeholders at the local level. Increased public trust facilitates the smooth operation of companies, reduces the potential for social conflict, and increases investment stability in the operational area. Meanwhile, for the community, the existence of this collaborative model can increase the effectiveness of CSR programs in responding to local needs. The involvement of civil society, mass media, and law enforcement in the planning and monitoring process will increase transparency, accountability, and sustainability of social programs. In the long run, this is expected to encourage community capacity building, reduce social inequality, and strengthen the socioeconomic resilience of communities around industrial areas. Thus, the implementation of this innovative model not only creates synergy between the public and private sectors but also strengthens the foundation of inclusive and participatory sustainable development in Kolaka and South Konawe districts. Keywords: collaboration, CSR, hexa helix, multistakeholder, quadruple helix
This study examined the driving and inhibiting factors influencing the implementation of website-based service innovation (e-government) through the Spatial Planning Information System (SPIS) in Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia. SPIS, locally branded as Majapahit GIS, is a spatial planning information system designed to deliver online maps, tabular data, and animated statistical visualizations. A descriptive qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using an interactive qualitative data analysis approach. The findings indicate that SPIS has been implemented effectively and complies with key e-government principles, including accessibility, service continuity, technical feasibility, efficiency, and accountability. A distinctive feature of SPIS is its ability to automatically generate thematic maps based solely on numerical data input at predefined locations. This functionality eliminates the need for specialized cartographic expertise and enables broader user participation, representing a significant innovation in the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for e-government. Despite these achievements, the aspiration to establish an integrated “one database system” capable of comprehensively supporting regional development planning has not been fully realized. The main driving factors include strong leadership commitment, supportive human resources, adequate infrastructure, and alignment with central government policies. Conversely, inhibiting factors comprise limited availability of IT specialists, slow internet access due to reliance on open networks, underutilized public consultation features, incomplete supporting data, weak inter-agency coordination, and the absence of incentive-based governance mechanisms. This study contributes empirical insights into the sustainability and institutional challenges of GIS-based e-government innovation in local government contexts. Keywords: inhibiting factors, public service, service innovation, special planning
In Indonesia, digital financial management has reached the village level through applications such as the digital financial management system titled “Sistem Keuangan Desa,” also known as SISKEUDES, which is mandated by the central government to manage village funds. While e-government programs have generally been associated with improved public accountability, the mechanisms through which these systems are adopted and implemented, especially under institutional pressure, remain underexplored in the context of village governance. This study responds to this gap by examining how coercive institutional pressures shape the implementation of SISKEUDES. In the context of SISKEUDES, coercive pressure manifests through central government mandates, local government supervision, and strict monitoring of fund management and reporting practices. Despite its intention to promote digital governance and financial accountability, the application’s implementation faces multiple challenges at the village level. Specifically, this study investigates the motivations behind the central government’s requirement for SISKEUDES and explores how various institutional actors—including regulators (the Ministry of Home Affairs [MoHA]), supervisors (local governments), and executors (village officials)—interpret and respond to these coercive forces. It also highlights barriers such as limited technical capacity, infrastructural gaps, and misalignment with regulatory updates, which complicate effective implementation. By focusing on the institutional dynamics behind SISKEUDES, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how coercive pressures operate in decentralized governance systems and offers insights into the uneven trajectories of digital transformation in rural settings.Keywords: e-government, public accountability, coercive pressure, SISKEUDES.
