Pub Date : 2023-03-20DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0001
Peter Sørensen
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review previous research on the effects of continuing public sector management education to systematize existing knowledge, identify gaps in the literature and to point out a need for future research.Design/methodology/approachThe purpose is realized as a systematic literature review using the Scopus and JSTOR databases as well as Google Scholar. A combination of the search words identified in previous research about the topic were used: Effect, outcome, impact and result in a combination with three different types of further adult education within leadership, management and/or administration: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Management (MPM) and Master of Public Governance (MPG). The initial search resulted in millions of files. To continue in a manageable way, the first 10 results pages of each search were analyzed according to three categories: Individual level, organizational level and professional level.FindingsResults show a limited number of papers documenting the effects of the education programs. Most papers regard the individual level effects, very few the organizational level and a few more the professional level. Given the low number of studies on the last two levels, these are suggested for future research.Originality/valueThis is the first study to summarize knowledge on the effects of the professional masters' programs MPA, MPM and MPG.
{"title":"The effects of continuing public sector management education: a systematic literature review","authors":"Peter Sørensen","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0001","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review previous research on the effects of continuing public sector management education to systematize existing knowledge, identify gaps in the literature and to point out a need for future research.Design/methodology/approachThe purpose is realized as a systematic literature review using the Scopus and JSTOR databases as well as Google Scholar. A combination of the search words identified in previous research about the topic were used: Effect, outcome, impact and result in a combination with three different types of further adult education within leadership, management and/or administration: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Management (MPM) and Master of Public Governance (MPG). The initial search resulted in millions of files. To continue in a manageable way, the first 10 results pages of each search were analyzed according to three categories: Individual level, organizational level and professional level.FindingsResults show a limited number of papers documenting the effects of the education programs. Most papers regard the individual level effects, very few the organizational level and a few more the professional level. Given the low number of studies on the last two levels, these are suggested for future research.Originality/valueThis is the first study to summarize knowledge on the effects of the professional masters' programs MPA, MPM and MPG.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43692449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-03-20DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0024
Fabio De Matteis, F. Striani, R. Greco
PurposeCommunication within a public organization is a fundamental aspect considering its contribution both to organizational well-being and – as highlighted by recent literature – to the improvement of relations with external users. This paper aims at analyzing the relevance of different dimensions of communication and the relationship between communication and citizens' satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on data collected through questionnaires (303; 86%) filled in by the public personnel of an Italian local government to verify the communication dimensions relevance. The authors applied the OLS method to test the relationship between communication dimensions and citizens' satisfaction (deriving from the municipality's customer satisfaction survey system, which collected 3,708 questionnaires).FindingsThe authors show that four of the five communication dimensions considered are particularly relevant and that two of them (“interpersonal communication” and “organizational communication”) positively influence the level of satisfaction of users of local public services (citizens' satisfaction), also countering the negative perception of certain sectors (e.g. taxes and local taxation, traffic police). The conclusion also highlights some limitations of the work.Originality/valueThe study brings new insights into the impact of communication (as an element of public employee well-being) on citizen satisfaction, leading to some useful implications for public managers.
{"title":"The relevance of communication for the well-being of public personnel in local government: does it have an impact on citizen satisfaction?","authors":"Fabio De Matteis, F. Striani, R. Greco","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0024","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeCommunication within a public organization is a fundamental aspect considering its contribution both to organizational well-being and – as highlighted by recent literature – to the improvement of relations with external users. This paper aims at analyzing the relevance of different dimensions of communication and the relationship between communication and citizens' satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on data collected through questionnaires (303; 86%) filled in by the public personnel of an Italian local government to verify the communication dimensions relevance. The authors applied the OLS method to test the relationship between communication dimensions and citizens' satisfaction (deriving from the municipality's customer satisfaction survey system, which collected 3,708 questionnaires).FindingsThe authors show that four of the five communication dimensions considered are particularly relevant and that two of them (“interpersonal communication” and “organizational communication”) positively influence the level of satisfaction of users of local public services (citizens' satisfaction), also countering the negative perception of certain sectors (e.g. taxes and local taxation, traffic police). The conclusion also highlights some limitations of the work.Originality/valueThe study brings new insights into the impact of communication (as an element of public employee well-being) on citizen satisfaction, leading to some useful implications for public managers.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42733352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-03-14DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0026
Francisca Tejedo-Romero, Miguel Rodrigues, J. Araújo
PurposeThis manuscript studies municipal transparency in Iberian countries, Spain and Portugal, to analyse similarities and differences in both countries. Despite some political-administrative similarities, the way Spain and Portugal, deal with the issue of transparency may vary.Design/methodology/approachBased on the levels of municipal transparency, this work aims to analyse how legal and institutional context and political factors framed the way municipalities are managing the “naming and shaming” approach resulting from the creation of the Municipal Transparency Index. A descriptive analysis of the levels of municipal transparency will be carried out and a multivariate analysis to study the characteristics that may be determining differences and similarities between the two countries.FindingsThe study shows similarities in municipal transparency in Iberian countries, the positive effect of the “naming and shaming” approach on transparency and the influence of legal and institutional factors in transparency.Originality/valueWhile there is extensive attention to municipal transparency at the country level, less research focuses on comparing municipal transparency in countries that have similar political-administrative characteristics. This study addresses this research gap by investigating two neighbouring countries.
{"title":"How far is municipal transparency from neighbours? Evidence from Spain and Portugal","authors":"Francisca Tejedo-Romero, Miguel Rodrigues, J. Araújo","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0026","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis manuscript studies municipal transparency in Iberian countries, Spain and Portugal, to analyse similarities and differences in both countries. Despite some political-administrative similarities, the way Spain and Portugal, deal with the issue of transparency may vary.Design/methodology/approachBased on the levels of municipal transparency, this work aims to analyse how legal and institutional context and political factors framed the way municipalities are managing the “naming and shaming” approach resulting from the creation of the Municipal Transparency Index. A descriptive analysis of the levels of municipal transparency will be carried out and a multivariate analysis to study the characteristics that may be determining differences and similarities between the two countries.FindingsThe study shows similarities in municipal transparency in Iberian countries, the positive effect of the “naming and shaming” approach on transparency and the influence of legal and institutional factors in transparency.Originality/valueWhile there is extensive attention to municipal transparency at the country level, less research focuses on comparing municipal transparency in countries that have similar political-administrative characteristics. This study addresses this research gap by investigating two neighbouring countries.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47852402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-03-14DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-02-2021-0034
R. Warsen
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review of studies addressing relational quality in public–private partnerships (PPPs). The ambition of this study is twofold: first, to present more clarity regarding the definition of the concept. Second, to develop a framework that explains the antecedents, characteristics and outcomes of relational quality in PPPs.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review of 99 academic articles, which were analyzed and coded on the definition, characteristics, antecedents and outcomes of relational quality.FindingsThe study shows that trust, communication, commitment, openness and reciprocity are considered core aspects of the concept. The analysis further identifies important antecedents (e.g. shared values, leadership) and outcomes (performance, innovation) of relational quality in PPPs. The findings result in the development of a framework on relational quality in PPPs to be used for further research.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that relational quality is valuable for the functioning of PPPs, but the current focus of this review excludes studies addressing relational quality in other types of collaboration and public–private exchange. The lessons from these research fields might further improve people’s understanding of relational quality.Practical implicationsPractitioners should pay attention to relational quality in long-term PPPs. Among others, (process) management activities might contribute to relational quality as it stimulates communication and openness.Originality/valueThe presented framework explaining antecedents, characteristics and outcomes of relational quality allows for more structured use of this concept in future research.
{"title":"Relational quality in public–private partnerships: understanding social relationships in contract-based exchanges","authors":"R. Warsen","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-02-2021-0034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-02-2021-0034","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review of studies addressing relational quality in public–private partnerships (PPPs). The ambition of this study is twofold: first, to present more clarity regarding the definition of the concept. Second, to develop a framework that explains the antecedents, characteristics and outcomes of relational quality in PPPs.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review of 99 academic articles, which were analyzed and coded on the definition, characteristics, antecedents and outcomes of relational quality.FindingsThe study shows that trust, communication, commitment, openness and reciprocity are considered core aspects of the concept. The analysis further identifies important antecedents (e.g. shared values, leadership) and outcomes (performance, innovation) of relational quality in PPPs. The findings result in the development of a framework on relational quality in PPPs to be used for further research.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that relational quality is valuable for the functioning of PPPs, but the current focus of this review excludes studies addressing relational quality in other types of collaboration and public–private exchange. The lessons from these research fields might further improve people’s understanding of relational quality.Practical implicationsPractitioners should pay attention to relational quality in long-term PPPs. Among others, (process) management activities might contribute to relational quality as it stimulates communication and openness.Originality/valueThe presented framework explaining antecedents, characteristics and outcomes of relational quality allows for more structured use of this concept in future research.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44117556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-02-03DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-09-2022-0200
A. Lopes, Diego Mota Vieira
PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explain the dynamics of public appointments and present new possibilities for research in this field.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a systematic literature review from 2012 to 2021, identified in Web of Science, Scopus and SciELO, in English, Spanish or Portuguese. To explain the dynamics of public appointments, the following were analyzed: the nomination process; the motivations, objectives and criteria used; the results and impacts of appointments; and the profile of the nominees. The study focused only on discretionary appointments to fully public bodies and agencies.FindingsThe literature offers a limited explanation for the dynamics of appointments, by focusing on the dichotomy between loyalty and competence. Despite this, studies suggest that different contextual factors, such as administrative tradition or strategic choices, for example, determine the dynamics of appointments, indicating that it is a complex process that goes beyond the simple discussion of merit or clientelism.Originality/valueThe article presents an unprecedented analysis of the literature on the dynamics of public appointments and proposes an explanatory model that indicates that other factors, in addition to merit and loyalty, should be considered relevant for the selection criteria, the nomination process and the profile of who will be appointed. This model is useful both for the practical management of appointments and for the advancement of theory in this field and should receive improvements and future empirical evaluations.
目的本文的目的是解释公共任命的动态，并为该领域的研究提供新的可能性。设计/方法论/方法本文基于2012年至2021年的系统文献综述，载于Web of Science、Scopus和SciELO，英文、西班牙文或葡萄牙文。为了解释公共任命的动态，分析了以下方面：提名过程；所使用的动机、目标和标准；任命的结果和影响；以及被提名人的简介。这项研究仅侧重于完全公共机构和机构的自由裁量任命。发现文献通过关注忠诚度和能力之间的二分法，对任命的动态提供了有限的解释。尽管如此，研究表明，不同的背景因素，如行政传统或战略选择，决定了任命的动态，这表明这是一个复杂的过程，超出了对功绩或客户主义的简单讨论。原创性/价值这篇文章对有关公共任命动态的文献进行了前所未有的分析，并提出了一个解释性模型，表明除了功绩和忠诚度之外，还应考虑其他因素与选拔标准、提名过程和任命人的简介有关。这一模式对任命的实际管理和该领域理论的发展都很有用，应该得到改进和未来的实证评估。
{"title":"Between politics and bureaucracy: a systematic literature review on the dynamics of public appointments","authors":"A. Lopes, Diego Mota Vieira","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-09-2022-0200","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-09-2022-0200","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explain the dynamics of public appointments and present new possibilities for research in this field.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a systematic literature review from 2012 to 2021, identified in Web of Science, Scopus and SciELO, in English, Spanish or Portuguese. To explain the dynamics of public appointments, the following were analyzed: the nomination process; the motivations, objectives and criteria used; the results and impacts of appointments; and the profile of the nominees. The study focused only on discretionary appointments to fully public bodies and agencies.FindingsThe literature offers a limited explanation for the dynamics of appointments, by focusing on the dichotomy between loyalty and competence. Despite this, studies suggest that different contextual factors, such as administrative tradition or strategic choices, for example, determine the dynamics of appointments, indicating that it is a complex process that goes beyond the simple discussion of merit or clientelism.Originality/valueThe article presents an unprecedented analysis of the literature on the dynamics of public appointments and proposes an explanatory model that indicates that other factors, in addition to merit and loyalty, should be considered relevant for the selection criteria, the nomination process and the profile of who will be appointed. This model is useful both for the practical management of appointments and for the advancement of theory in this field and should receive improvements and future empirical evaluations.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42577199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-31DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-07-2022-0163
G. Noto, A. Prenestini, Federico Cosenz, Gustavo Barresi
PurposePublic health strategies and activities are intrinsically complex. According to the literature, this “wickedness” depends on the different interests and expectations of the stakeholders and the community, the fragmented governance of the related services and the challenges in measuring and assessing public health outcomes. Existent performance measures and management systems for public health are not designed to cope with wickedness since they are mainly focused on inputs and outputs, neglecting broader outcomes because of their long-term impact and the poor accountability of results. This research aims to tackle this shortfall by adopting a dynamic performance management (DPM) approach.Design/methodology/approachThis research explores the case of the vaccination campaign of a Regional Health System. Through the analysis of an illustrative case study, the research discusses both opportunities and limits of the proposed approach.FindingsThis research highlights that DPM supports performance management (PM) in wicked contexts, thanks to the adoption of a system-wide perspective and the possibility of using simulation to experiment with alternative strategies and benchmarking performance results with simulated trends.Originality/valueThis article tackles a gap related to the management of wicked problems both from a theory and a practical perspective. In particular, this research suggests the adoption of DPM as an approach that may support policymakers in tackling social pluralism, institutional complexity and scientific uncertainty all at once.
{"title":"Tackling wicked problems in performance management and governance of public health: an empirical analysis of COVID-19 vaccination strategies","authors":"G. Noto, A. Prenestini, Federico Cosenz, Gustavo Barresi","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-07-2022-0163","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-07-2022-0163","url":null,"abstract":"PurposePublic health strategies and activities are intrinsically complex. According to the literature, this “wickedness” depends on the different interests and expectations of the stakeholders and the community, the fragmented governance of the related services and the challenges in measuring and assessing public health outcomes. Existent performance measures and management systems for public health are not designed to cope with wickedness since they are mainly focused on inputs and outputs, neglecting broader outcomes because of their long-term impact and the poor accountability of results. This research aims to tackle this shortfall by adopting a dynamic performance management (DPM) approach.Design/methodology/approachThis research explores the case of the vaccination campaign of a Regional Health System. Through the analysis of an illustrative case study, the research discusses both opportunities and limits of the proposed approach.FindingsThis research highlights that DPM supports performance management (PM) in wicked contexts, thanks to the adoption of a system-wide perspective and the possibility of using simulation to experiment with alternative strategies and benchmarking performance results with simulated trends.Originality/valueThis article tackles a gap related to the management of wicked problems both from a theory and a practical perspective. In particular, this research suggests the adoption of DPM as an approach that may support policymakers in tackling social pluralism, institutional complexity and scientific uncertainty all at once.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44117836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-30DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-04-2022-0103
L. Chikazhe, Sibonile Siziba, T. Bhebhe, O. Sifile, B. Nyagadza
PurposeThe purpose of the study is to establish the relationship between public health sector performance (PHSP), fleet management system, perceived service quality (PSQ) and management style (MS).Design/methodology/approachA total of 260 managerial employees were randomly selected from 5 major public hospitals in Zimbabwe to participate in this cross-sectional survey.FindingsFleet management system was found to positively influence both PSQ and PHSP. The results indicated that PSQ has a positive effect on PHSP. MS was found to moderate the effect of fleet management system on both PSQ and PHSP.Originality/valueThe current study provides fresh insights and validates extant knowledge on PHSP, fleet management and PSQ within the public health sector departments. It extends further knowledge on the public health performance in the Sub-Saharan region, as it shows that dimensions on fleet management have a direct influence on PHSP.
{"title":"Fleet management system, perceived service quality and the public health sector performance in Zimbabwe","authors":"L. Chikazhe, Sibonile Siziba, T. Bhebhe, O. Sifile, B. Nyagadza","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-04-2022-0103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-04-2022-0103","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of the study is to establish the relationship between public health sector performance (PHSP), fleet management system, perceived service quality (PSQ) and management style (MS).Design/methodology/approachA total of 260 managerial employees were randomly selected from 5 major public hospitals in Zimbabwe to participate in this cross-sectional survey.FindingsFleet management system was found to positively influence both PSQ and PHSP. The results indicated that PSQ has a positive effect on PHSP. MS was found to moderate the effect of fleet management system on both PSQ and PHSP.Originality/valueThe current study provides fresh insights and validates extant knowledge on PHSP, fleet management and PSQ within the public health sector departments. It extends further knowledge on the public health performance in the Sub-Saharan region, as it shows that dimensions on fleet management have a direct influence on PHSP.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46426643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-12DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-07-2022-0159
R. Troisi, G. Alfano
PurposeThis study investigates the presence of a productivity–quality trade-off in judicial decisions from an organisational standpoint, focusing on the courts as bureaucracies. Applied to the Italian context and focusing on criminal courts, the main question addressed is whether or not increasing productivity diminishes decision quality.Design/methodology/approachDirectional distance function (DDF) models were utilised to assess productivity. Two-sample t-tests are then used to compare the quality of efficient and inefficient units in first instance and appeal, with the aim to determine whether a productivity–quality trade-off exists.FindingsThe study’s approach yields results that differ from previous studies. (1) The Italian judicial system is found less efficient. (2) The efficiency of the courts of first instance is relatively uniform. In contrast, there is a difference in efficiency between northern and southern courts of appeal, with northern courts on average being more efficient. (3) The analysis reveals a statistically significant productivity–quality trade-off when the courts of appeal are considered.Research limitations/implicationsNew evidence of a judicial system is presented, suggesting reforms regarding “reasonable time” as the optimal balance between quality and productivity.Originality/valueThe organisational framework leads to evaluating the efficiency of the courts by considering the various types of proceedings based on the gravity/complexity of the cases. In light of the pyramidal structure of the justice system, the quality is then defined in terms of hierarchical control expressed as review rate.
{"title":"Is “justice hurried actually justice buried”? An organisational perspective of the Italian criminal justice","authors":"R. Troisi, G. Alfano","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-07-2022-0159","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-07-2022-0159","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study investigates the presence of a productivity–quality trade-off in judicial decisions from an organisational standpoint, focusing on the courts as bureaucracies. Applied to the Italian context and focusing on criminal courts, the main question addressed is whether or not increasing productivity diminishes decision quality.Design/methodology/approachDirectional distance function (DDF) models were utilised to assess productivity. Two-sample t-tests are then used to compare the quality of efficient and inefficient units in first instance and appeal, with the aim to determine whether a productivity–quality trade-off exists.FindingsThe study’s approach yields results that differ from previous studies. (1) The Italian judicial system is found less efficient. (2) The efficiency of the courts of first instance is relatively uniform. In contrast, there is a difference in efficiency between northern and southern courts of appeal, with northern courts on average being more efficient. (3) The analysis reveals a statistically significant productivity–quality trade-off when the courts of appeal are considered.Research limitations/implicationsNew evidence of a judicial system is presented, suggesting reforms regarding “reasonable time” as the optimal balance between quality and productivity.Originality/valueThe organisational framework leads to evaluating the efficiency of the courts by considering the various types of proceedings based on the gravity/complexity of the cases. In light of the pyramidal structure of the justice system, the quality is then defined in terms of hierarchical control expressed as review rate.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2023-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48385927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-23DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0012
S. Mzenzi
PurposeThis paper investigates the relationship between accounting and accountability practices in Muslim secondary schools in Tanzania using Bourdieusian perspective. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth interviews were conducted with school owners, teachers, accountants, an imam and leaders of Muslim organizations. Corroborative evidence was gathered through review of documentary sources. The data were analyzed using a mapping approach.FindingsThe findings show that powerful actors in the schools studied proactively selected accounting practices that supported their particular doxa of survival, access or legitimacy. Also, Fiisabilillah is identified as an existential doxa, and this was found to be more influential than individual accountability doxa and responsible for adherence to work among weak agents despite an inappropriate environment. As a result, accounting practices become “rhetoric” and play a minimal role in discharging both “sacred” and “secular” accountability to both human beings and God.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that accounting practices must be understood in the context of the socioeconomic and political settings in which the organization operates.Originality/valueMost studies of accounting and accountability have focused on developed countries. This is one of the few studies to explore the phenomenon in the context of Muslim schools in a developing country.
{"title":"Accounting and accountability in Muslim secondary schools in Tanzania: a Bourdieusian perspective","authors":"S. Mzenzi","doi":"10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijpsm-01-2022-0012","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis paper investigates the relationship between accounting and accountability practices in Muslim secondary schools in Tanzania using Bourdieusian perspective. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth interviews were conducted with school owners, teachers, accountants, an imam and leaders of Muslim organizations. Corroborative evidence was gathered through review of documentary sources. The data were analyzed using a mapping approach.FindingsThe findings show that powerful actors in the schools studied proactively selected accounting practices that supported their particular doxa of survival, access or legitimacy. Also, Fiisabilillah is identified as an existential doxa, and this was found to be more influential than individual accountability doxa and responsible for adherence to work among weak agents despite an inappropriate environment. As a result, accounting practices become “rhetoric” and play a minimal role in discharging both “sacred” and “secular” accountability to both human beings and God.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that accounting practices must be understood in the context of the socioeconomic and political settings in which the organization operates.Originality/valueMost studies of accounting and accountability have focused on developed countries. This is one of the few studies to explore the phenomenon in the context of Muslim schools in a developing country.","PeriodicalId":47437,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Public Sector Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2022-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46009445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-12-07DOI: 10.1108/ijpsm-03-2022-0085
Filomena Buonocore, M. Russo, Davide de Gennaro
PurposeEach time there is a government change (indeed a very frequent scenario for Italy), and the leadership team of strategic offices and operations in the public administration is usually replaced. Using the job crafting theoretical framework, the purpose of this study is to investigate how the uncertainty generated by changes in the leadership teams of public offices shapes the public managers’ coping strategies.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a deductive qualitative approach. Data for this study were collected through 47 interviews conducted with public managers working at the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers.FindingsThe results of the study suggest that job crafting – a proactive approach aimed at customizing the content and nature of one’s job – represents a frequent strategy that public managers undertake, drawing on the personal and contextual resources at their disposal, to reduce perceived uncertainty associated with manager transition.Originality/valueQuestions related to the positive or negative impact of managerial transitions generated conflicting opinions in the literature. The authors demonstrate that job crafting could represent a valuable strategy adopted by executive managers to cope with increasing uncertainty associated with managerial transition due to government change, especially when these strategies enable to gain valuable personal and contextual resources for managers.
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