Agus Heruanto Hadna, Umi Listyaningsih and Idris Ihwanudin
The objective of this research is to analyze the extent to which street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) have exercised discretion (low, medium and high) and the contributing factors…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this research is to analyze the extent to which street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) have exercised discretion (low, medium and high) and the contributing factors involved (i.e. the influence of personal, work environment and demographic factors on the exercise of discretion).
Design/methodology/approach
The mixed-methods research uses the embedded design approach. Data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic through a survey of 2,867 Official Certifier of Title Deeds (Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah/PPAT) as SLBs spread across fifty regencies/cities in ten provinces in Indonesia.
Findings
This field study found a significant and positive correlation between SLBs' economic motive and the client's knowledge of land issues with the exercise of discretion. In addition, the study found a significant correlation between the age and gender of SLBs and their practice of discretion.
Practical implications
This study provides insights into that new policies should not further complicate the system but reduce face-to-face interactions between SLBs and their clients by allowing digital technology.
Originality/value
The novelty of this research is the paradox of SLB service during the COVID-19 pandemic differed from the paradoxes identified in earlier studies. SLBs commonly cope with service paradox by limiting their services or focusing solely on the most profitable clientele. However, this study shows that some SLBs actively reach out to clients using a “friendly” service model.
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Sumiyana, Wivaqussaniyyah, Muhadjir Darwin and Agus Heruanto Hadna
This study investigates partnership building between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the regencies of Gunung Kidul, Bantul, Sleman, Yogyakarta Province and Indonesia's…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates partnership building between non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the regencies of Gunung Kidul, Bantul, Sleman, Yogyakarta Province and Indonesia's central government. This study focuses on the perspective of the collaboration theory to reflect the usefulness of different leadership types. Furthermore, this study identifies the impact of partnership building on program effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses an instance case study with thirteen informants who are NGO activists or members of the village, district and provincial governments. This study concludes that NGOs and local government partnerships have reached a collaborative level, characterised by their stakeholders' unity, regular communication, mutual trust and consensus in decision-making.
Findings
This collaborative relationship also shows the integrative leadership style, characterised by openness and active networks with all external parties. Furthermore, this study identifies that partnership building positively impacts and increases the outcomes, especially in capacity building and commitment. Finally, this research proposes a series of innovative policies through stakeholder mapping, forming joint forums, sharing responsibilities and accentuating intimate partnerships.
Originality/value
This research is unique in the following ways: First, this study argues that partnership building occurs due to a specific social contract between a local government and an NGO. The authors show that this contract occurs when a local government possesses innovativeness. Local governments know which programs are not financed from the central budget. They accent their innovativeness for increasing society's welfare by collaborating with an NGO. Second, local governments realise that building partnerships with NGOs is no longer an option but an obligation. This study considers the similarity objectives of providing the best services they can to the community, with the differentiation of the capacities and resources owned by both. Third, this study demonstrates that partnerships between NGOs and governments positively impact communities' development in emerging economies with all the obstacles that exist.