Questions of Governance
New Public Governance in the Czech Republic, Romania, and Slovakia: A Comparative Analysis of Political Cultures
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Stanica Maria Cristina, Minion K. C. Morrison
The successful implementation of new public governance practices in post-communist countries is related to a multitude of factors. The literature points out the relevance of the context of each country. Studying new public governance requires understanding how the socio-economic conditions, political culture, administrative tradition, and public administration reform impact joint public service delivery and citizen engagement. This paper addresses the influence of political culture on democratic practices. It begins by theoretically connecting the concept of political culture to new public governance. Then it reviews the evolution of democracy in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania. Hofstede’s national cultural dimensions are deployed in this study to evaluate and compare cultural factors in these countries. We then use a set of indexes to analyze the results in comparison to average scores in the European Union. Using qualitative methods, we analyze national and cross-national European documents to track the evolution of public administration reforms, and to understand how they support public governance implementation. Elite interviews are used to help specify the characteristics of each political system and the main values that drive effectiveness and responsibility. From this evidence three categories (parochial, subject, and participant) emerge that allow us to assess indicators of good governance in each context. The interdisciplinary character of this paper is reflected in its employment of insights from the literatures of public administration (theory), governance (public policy), and political culture (comparative politics).
Russia – Dealing with its Imperial Legacy: Examples of Ukraine and Moldova
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Kristine Zaidi
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia has confronted major foreign policy challenges including finding its place in the international arena and positioning itself among countries it once had under its total control. The loss was considerable, particularly in status, and it took a number of years to move away from the rhetoric of ‘great power’ to ‘one of the centers of influence in the world’. Russia’s regional ambitions, largely expressed trough its leading role in the CIS, continue in the legacy of the old empire. This legacy is reflected in Russia’s relations with Ukraine and Moldova. Albeit different cases with distinct issues, Ukraine and Moldova provide examples of Russia’s approach to maintaining and enhancing its influence in its immediate neighbourhood shared with other regional and global players, in particular the EU and NATO. Interestingly, both countries are considered a natural zone of influence. The reconciliation is not challenge free but constitutes an imperial legacy linking the past to future ambitions. Approaches Russia takes in relations with these countries, legacy and outlook, are addressed in this study. These approaches are incremental, yet guided by a long-term strategy, aiming to strengthen Russia’s regional and international status. It is both strategic and opportunistic. The issue is examined through the prism of international relations and decision making models to explain the motivation, context and how foreign policy decisions are made and executed in contemporary Russia.
Economic Solutions to Social Problems : Unpacking the Skill Shortage Crisis During the Australian Mining Boom
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Melissa Cianfrini
Up until a few years ago, unprecedented international demand for iron ore resulted in a national skill shortage crisis in Australia that lasted for over a decade. As a result, the Australian Government and businesses implemented strategies to meet the demand for labour, including employee incentives, increasing the mature-aged workforce, and the highly controversial strategy of increasing migrant workers. This paper addresses these national issues played out in an Australian mining community. Situated in a community psychology paradigm, eighty-nine semi-structured qualitative interviews and twenty-two online surveys with key stakeholders were analysed through the analytical ecological framework of causal layered analysis. This process revealed a theme of blame and a lack of accountability among stakeholders; highlighting the beliefs, behaviours and policies compounding the skills shortage. In particularly, it highlighted issues around the lack of education and training provided to resolve the skill shortage crisis. A critical reflection on the issue suggests a lack of awareness of the social and relational capital between employers, migrant workers, and stakeholders.
