Exploring the antecedents of municipal managers’ attitudes towards citizen participation |
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Authors: | Yuguo Liao Hindy L Schachter |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Political Science and Department of Public Policy Administration, University of Missouri, St. Louis, MO, USA;2. Martin Tuchman School of Management, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA |
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Abstract: | Meaningful and representative citizen participation depends greatly on administrators’ attitudes. This study examines antecedents of municipal managers’ attitudes towards citizen participation based on their perceptions of its likely contributions and costs. Using data from two American states – New Jersey and Pennsylvania – the research found that a manager’s professional identity and knowledge of successful peer group practices involving citizens influenced both perceptions. In addition, the research found that institutional factors such as red tape and city council diversity influenced a manager’s perceptions about the cost of citizen involvement. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. |
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Keywords: | Citizen participation attitude municipal manager perceived citizen contribution perceived cost |
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