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Author
Piwowarski Radosław (University of Lodz)
Title
Do Democratic Participation and Education of Councillors Foster Efficiency of Local Governments in Poland? : an Agency Theory Perspective
Source
Bank i Kredyt, 2019, nr 5, s. 479-492, aneks, bibliogr. 23 poz.
Bank & Credit
Keyword
Samorząd terytorialny, Demokracja uczestnicząca, Pracownicy samorządowi, Efektywność, Sektor publiczny, Teoria agencji
Local government, Participatory democracy, Self-government employees, Effectiveness, Public sector, Agency theory
Note
JEL Classification: H41
summ.
Abstract
This article primarily investigates the influence of voter turnout and education of councillors on the efficiency of public goods delivery by Polish municipalities in 2011 and 2015. Efficiency is measured by the PSE index. The results reveal a positive impact of voter turnout on public sector efficiency. We confirm the existence of an agency relationship, in which higher voter turnout, through more public interest, creates pressure on the effective behaviour of the elected officials. Exceptions to this are shown in the biggest cities. The negative correlation may theoretically point towards electoral activation in the case of poor local authority assessments, and thus opposition to its further activities. According to estimates, the level of the councillors education negatively affects public sector efficiency. We reject the existence of an agency relationship, in which citizens try to select highly qualified councillors, expecting them to provide more public goods. There may be exceptions in the biggest cities. (original abstract)
Accessibility
The Main Library of the Cracow University of Economics
The Library of Warsaw School of Economics
The Library of University of Economics in Katowice
The Main Library of Poznań University of Economics and Business
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ISSN
0137-5520
Language
eng
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