Andreas Ladner - Böcker

This book explores local autonomy as measured by the updated and extended Local Autonomy Index, and considers the underlying issues related to this multidimensional concept. It analyses dynamics spanning over three decades concerning the dimensions of local autonomy and its variables and indicators.Adopting an international comparative perspective, authors examine common and differing features of various states to show how these features pertain to local autonomy, as well as what impacts derive from local government configurations. Chapters cover 57 countries situated on six continents over a span of 31 years, including almost all member states of the European Union, Council of Europe and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The authors define local autonomy as a multifaceted concept which can be measured through legal, functional, financial, organizational, administrative and central-or-regional-access dimensions. With fresh empirical data and findings on local autonomy, they capture its evolving nature.Dynamics and Issues of Local Autonomy is an essential read for scholars of public administration, regulation and governance, public policy and political science. Providing a better understanding of the factors that influence local autonomy and its implications for governance and service delivery, this book is a vital resource for practitioners and policymakers alike.

This innovative Handbook puts the politics of public administration at the forefront, providing comprehensive insights and comparative perspectives of the different aspects of the field.Revealing the power configurations in different institutional settings, this Handbook considers the general influence of administration on political decisions and the subsequent consequences of its involvement. An impressive array of contributors discuss how public administrations can differ between countries and to what extent their characteristics are influenced by political values and preferences. More specifically, chapters address the structure and political function of the administration and its performance in countries including the USA, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland.Addressing the plethora of normative, empirical, and analytical questions surrounding the politics of public administration, this Handbook will be an invaluable read for scholars of public administration and political science. It will also be an essential reference point for all students and practitioners of political theory and management.

How large should local governments be? Scholars and public sector reformers alike have asked this question for many years. Size and Local Democracy investigates this subject in four countries where local governments play an important role but are different in size and structure - Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. Based on unique comparative data, the authors explore whether the size of municipalities has consequences for its citizens’ democratic perceptions, attitudes and behaviours. Chapters build cumulatively on findings of the previous chapters, to conclude that increased size may not necessarily benefit the quality of local democracy.Scholars and students with an interest in democracy or local government will find this analytical book of interest. It will also be a useful resource to practitioners with a focus on public sector reforms.

It claims that, beyond politics, institutions and public administration, there are other factors which make a country successful. While confronted with the same challenges as other countries, Switzerland offers different solutions, some of which work astonishingly well.

This book considers local autonomy, measured as a multidimensional concept, from a cross-country comparative perspective, and examines how variations can be explained and what their consequences are.

It claims that, beyond politics, institutions and public administration, there are other factors which make a country successful. While confronted with the same challenges as other countries, Switzerland offers different solutions, some of which work astonishingly well.

This book considers local autonomy, measured as a multidimensional concept, from a cross-country comparative perspective, and examines how variations can be explained and what their consequences are.