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Personal Public Service Ethics as a Public Servant
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
36-38
Received:
1 August 2022
Accepted:
11 October 2022
Published:
22 May 2023
Abstract: This article argues that the code of ethics for the professionals working in both the government and nonprofit organizations should advance the interest of the public before their own, and the public interests should always come first in a professional code of ethics, whether they work for the government or a nonprofit. In order for every citizen to have complete faith in the honesty of the government or nonprofit organizations, it is important to promote sound ethical standards. Fair and respectful treatment of the general population is required. This entails abstaining from misusing special privileges, violating the public trust, and improperly using public office for personal gain. These organizations and people need to uphold high moral standards and act with integrity and responsibility. The article argues that public workers should be reliable to the public services; they should behave impartially and refrain from abusing their positions in the government and shouldn’t grant any private parties or people preferential treatment. Therefore, this should be regarded by the government to be against their ethics standards. Moreover, the article stated that our moral principles should direct the work of the public servant; the "does and don'ts" of public service, such as the use of sound judgment, responsibility, having integrity, and accountability. This is the proper norm that ought to direct the work of the public servant.
Abstract: This article argues that the code of ethics for the professionals working in both the government and nonprofit organizations should advance the interest of the public before their own, and the public interests should always come first in a professional code of ethics, whether they work for the government or a nonprofit. In order for every citizen t...
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Decentralisation, Local Governance and Nation Building in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
39-48
Received:
18 July 2022
Accepted:
8 August 2022
Published:
6 June 2023
Abstract: The paper examines the logic of decentralization and local governance in Nigeria with a hint on its constitutionality and contributions to nation building. Emerging facts reveals that Nigeria operates a centralized and decentralized system of governance and state administration. This is confirmed by its federal nature, division of state administration into federal, state and local government, state power into exclusive (federal), concurrent (federal and state) and residual powers (local government), and the allocation and distribution of fiscal responsibilities and benefits along vertical and horizontal lines by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the 1999 constitution. Data generated from the Federal Responsibility Act 2007 shows that the federal government gets 52.68%, the 36 state governments get 26.72% and the 774 local government councils get 20.60% fund allocation from the pool of distributive resources domiciled in the Consolidated Federal Revenue Account of Nigeria. Analytical evidences are also drawn from other secondary sources of information to confirm the abuse of the tenets of political and administrative decentralization through the instrumentality of the State-Joint-Local Government Account and the Caretaker Committee System. The dialectics of undue political interference in the management of local government affairs by the state government and the use of the Caretaker Committee system as a governing structure at the local government level reveals the threat it poses to leadership development, liberal democratic growth, local governance and nation building. These conclusively undermine the tenets of true federalism, decentralization, local government autonomy and the statutory powers and authority of elected local government councils to initiate and manage local development visions and initiatives. The need to place a balance between avoidable political control and local government autonomy as pathways to promoting genuine decentralization, participatory local governance and grass root development is strongly advocated.
Abstract: The paper examines the logic of decentralization and local governance in Nigeria with a hint on its constitutionality and contributions to nation building. Emerging facts reveals that Nigeria operates a centralized and decentralized system of governance and state administration. This is confirmed by its federal nature, division of state administrat...
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Investigating Barriers to Effective Reporting of Sustainable Development Goals by Government Institutions in Kenya
Kibe Peter Mwangi,
Mary Mogute,
Philemon Yugi
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
49-55
Received:
12 February 2023
Accepted:
15 March 2023
Published:
6 June 2023
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to effective reporting of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Kenya, with the primary focus being environmental reporting using the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as a reference point. The objectives were to determine challenges when reporting environmental statistics, and propose recommendations to enhance effective reporting of environmental statistics by NEMA. The study was anchored on accountability and sustainability theories. Descriptive design was adopted, and the study population was drawn from NEMA, State Department of Planning in Kenya, and the United Nations Environment Programme. The study sampled 98 respondents using purposive sampling strategy where 91 filled and returned self-administered questionnaires that were subjected to analysis. The generated data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25. The results showed that there was a positive significant moderate linear relationship between effective reporting of SDGs and NEMA’s institutional capacity, M&E Framework, and enabling environment. However, environmental governance was not a significant predictor. The study concluded that organizations need enhanced technology for data acquisition, clear M&E structures, and continuous institutional capacity building to address changing reporting environment and policy needs. The study recommends bridging of existing knowledge gaps in the sector through research and partnership, organizational and individual capacity building, establishment of innovation/science centers, data driven governance, policy coherence, and environmental advocacy.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to effective reporting of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Kenya, with the primary focus being environmental reporting using the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as a reference point. The objectives were to determine challenges when reporting environmental statistics, ...
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Post-Soviet Presidentialized Republics: Factors for Choosing the Form of Government and Difficulties of Its Classification
Roman Martyniuk,
Oleksii Datsiuk,
Mykola Romanov,
Tetiana Khomych
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
56-66
Received:
12 February 2023
Accepted:
19 May 2023
Published:
10 June 2023
Abstract: In the post-Soviet states of Eastern Europe and Asia, a special presidential form of government was formed, which, in fact, cannot be classified within the trichotomous division of republican forms of government established in modern political science. Attempts by researchers to clearly define this form of government generate real classification chaos. Many scientists tend to see the studied form of government as a presidential version of a mixed republic. Another group of scientists, given the hypertrophy of the constitutional status of the president, perceives it as a certain variant of the presidential republic. In fact, the form of government adopted in many post-Soviet states eclectically combines elements of presidential and mixed republics and at the same time fundamentally does not meet the criteria of both of these forms of government. It is not a presidential republic, since it does not reveal a “hard” division of power and contains certain elements of parliamentarism, and it is not a mixed republic, since it does not have its minimum necessary set of features. Therefore, this form of government cannot be identified with presidential or mixed republics, nor can it be considered as a partial deviation from one of them. The idea of a mixed republic had a significant impact on the latest state-building practice of the post-Soviet states. At the same time, in most of them, the difficult conditions of the initial stage of state formation caused a significant strengthening of the power of the president. The consequence of this was the dominance of the president not only in relation to the system of executive bodies, but also in relation to the state mechanism in general. The transformation of the president into the real head of the executive power distorted the nature of the mixed republic and gave birth to a new hybrid form of government, which combined certain formal and legal features of the mixed republic with the hypertrophied constitutional status of the president.
Abstract: In the post-Soviet states of Eastern Europe and Asia, a special presidential form of government was formed, which, in fact, cannot be classified within the trichotomous division of republican forms of government established in modern political science. Attempts by researchers to clearly define this form of government generate real classification ch...
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Effects of National Government Administration Soft Approaches on Countering Violent Extremism in Garissa County, Kenya
Timothy Mwalimu,
Wilson Muna
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
67-76
Received:
9 May 2023
Accepted:
29 May 2023
Published:
10 June 2023
Abstract: The threat of violent extremist groups across the globe cannot be ignored as it is a multi-national problem. Appropriate response strategies need to be put in place by governments and regional economic blocks to mitigate the potential threats within the framework of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). Research findings have revealed that, there is limited documented research done on the effectiveness of the CVE strategies being employed by these parties in countering the terrorism menace. Further, it reveals lack of a single consensus pathway to violent extremism, which in turn has proven complex especially in designing best practices for CVE in Kenya. Kenya is continuously under the threat of Al-Shabaab terrorist organization which has claimed attacks within the Kenyan boundaries. This study, therefore, sought to explore the success of national government use of soft approaches and the mitigation measures to make it achieve its objectives of ensuring a secure environment to her citizens. The study used class theory of terrorism and the rational choice theory to provide the necessary theoretical background. Descriptive research methodology was employed for this study and the respondents were drawn from the national government officers in Garissa County. The research reached out to 44 respondents from the national government, Garissa County. Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) was used to acquire required data. Collected information underwent thorough cleaning, editing, and thematic grouping for qualitative analysis. Key finding from the study showed that Life skill trainings enhance CVE programmes and are very important interventions for reducing repetition and radicalization to violent extremism among children and youth offenders in Kenya to improve safety and security. Community engagement initiatives have created safe, mentored spaces for individuals to freely express themselves and challenge one another's beliefs. The study also underlined the greater role played by media in the fight against radicalization and VE. The study concludes that government should embrace partnership across board, put in place soft approaches, conduct threat analysis so as to adopt right strategies and also, address root causes of VE. Key recommendations include: Partnership for VE mitigation, Strengthening the capacity of institutions involved in CVE, Identification and addressing the local pull and push factors and addressing grievances that may lead to radicalization and recruitment.
Abstract: The threat of violent extremist groups across the globe cannot be ignored as it is a multi-national problem. Appropriate response strategies need to be put in place by governments and regional economic blocks to mitigate the potential threats within the framework of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). Research findings have revealed that, there is ...
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Effects of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Cargo Transportation Policy on the Level of Competition in Imported Cargo Transportation Industry in Kenya
Arthur Odiwuor Odima,
Joseph Okeyo Obosi,
Fred Jonyo
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
77-87
Received:
12 May 2023
Accepted:
6 June 2023
Published:
15 June 2023
Abstract: The Kenyan government had instituted and effected a policy that all imported shipments discharged at Mombasa port and headed to Nairobi, locality and transit to be transferred via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This paper examines the effect of SGR cargo transportation policy on the level of competition in imported cargo transportation market in Kenya. Data was obtained from freight forwarding companies and cargo owners as well as from key informants in imported cargo transport industry. The article adopted descriptive research design through cross sectional survey and concurrent mixed methods. Univariate, multivariate, cross-tabulations and multinomial probit regression were utilized in analysis. Equally, text analysis was used. The results show that SGR cargo transportation policy reduced the level of competition in imported cargo transportation market by 17.6%. Aspects of competition that have been affected by the policy included: limited the choices available to cargo owners/shippers to only one mode of transport; restricted transportation of imported cargo to SGR, creating SGR monopoly; limited number of entrants in imported cargo transportation from Mombasa to Nairobi; and resulted in higher cost of transporting imported cargo from Mombasa to Nairobi. The study recommends liberalization of imported cargo transport market, use of SGR to transport cargo to be discretionary, incorporation of multi-modal rail-road cargo transportation, review of the policy and expunge monopoly creating clauses and facilitating road transporters of imported cargo to explore other markets in East Africa Community.
Abstract: The Kenyan government had instituted and effected a policy that all imported shipments discharged at Mombasa port and headed to Nairobi, locality and transit to be transferred via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This paper examines the effect of SGR cargo transportation policy on the level of competition in imported cargo transportation market in...
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Effectiveness of Labour Recruitment Regulation for the Protection of Human Rights for the Kenyan Migrant Domestic Workers
Grace Njambi Kimani,
Weldon Ng’eno
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
88-97
Received:
22 May 2023
Accepted:
7 June 2023
Published:
21 June 2023
Abstract: Labour migration is a trend that has gained a lot of traction with the increased relations and interdependence between nations at all levels. In a similar manner, there is an increment in cases of abuse of the basic rights of migrant workers. In extreme cases, abuses amount to trafficking in persons, forced or compulsory labour among other human rights violations that even lead to death continues to be registered amongst migrant workers. As this occurs, loopholes exist in labour laws, failing to address gaps within the responsibilities of recruitment agencies and employers and as such provide space for abuse and forced labour for the migrant workers. Labour mobility remains an integral part of the intercountry cooperation and exchange of goods and services all that are building blocks towards accomplishment of SDGs and the Agenda 2030. Therefore, it is very timely and beneficial to establish gaps in the labour regulation process, such as within the labour legislation, registration, licensing, and monitoring process, identify enforcement challenges, and the government interventions necessary for the labour recruitment in safeguarding the human rights of the migrant workers, especially in a time where Kenyans are migrating a lot for work. Neoclassical economics and the dual labour market (DLM) theories guided this study. Descriptive and inferential research methodologies were used. A target population of 153 people was drawn from the National Employment Authority (NEA), Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (MFA) and Ministry of Labour (MoL). Key Informant interview guides and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the research data and analysis done by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found out that that there was a positive significant and strong linear relationship between statutory requirements and upholding human rights of Kenyan migrant domestic workers. It was evident that the inter-ministerial and inter organisational coordination is very weak and there is policy incoherence and thus there is inefficiencies in the regulation of labour recruitment process. Additionally, the labour regulation enforcement process remains very important factor in safeguarding and upholding the human rights of Kenyan migrant worker. In conclusion, there is a need for a comprehensive approach that recognizes the rights of all workers and promotes their social and economic empowerment. The study therefore recommended strengthening labour recruitment regulations protection of human rights for the Kenyan migrant domestic workers.
Abstract: Labour migration is a trend that has gained a lot of traction with the increased relations and interdependence between nations at all levels. In a similar manner, there is an increment in cases of abuse of the basic rights of migrant workers. In extreme cases, abuses amount to trafficking in persons, forced or compulsory labour among other human ri...
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The Influence of Performance Management on Staff Performance: A Case of Two Bureaucracies in Federal Public Service of Nigeria
Ogbewere Bankole Ijewereme
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
98-108
Received:
7 April 2023
Accepted:
17 May 2023
Published:
27 June 2023
Abstract: Management by Objective (MBO) theory suggests that for any organization to derive the best performance from the employees the components of performance management must be practiced. To investigate whether this argument applies to the public service organizations that have undergone performance reform, this study explores the influence of performance management on employees’ performance in the FCS and NNPC of the federal public service of Nigeria. Data were obtained from management staff in FCS and NNPC in Nigeria and analyzed with t-test and multiple regression. The results showed that there is no significant difference between methods of performance appraisal in NNPC and FCS. It also revealed that the components of performance management such as training mechanisms and feedback on employees' performance among others have a significant influence on employees’ performance. The study concluded that even though performance management influenced employees’ efficiency, job satisfaction, productivity, and quality of services; the weaknesses diagnosed from employees’ appraisal forms are not often linked with employees’ training and development in both organizations. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Abstract: Management by Objective (MBO) theory suggests that for any organization to derive the best performance from the employees the components of performance management must be practiced. To investigate whether this argument applies to the public service organizations that have undergone performance reform, this study explores the influence of performanc...
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Creating Measurement Advantage for Health Charities – The Why and the How
Richard Colbran,
Robyn Ramsden,
Genevieve Pepin,
John W Toumbourou,
Karen Stagnitti
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
109-121
Received:
23 May 2023
Accepted:
12 June 2023
Published:
27 June 2023
Abstract: Background: Organisational performance measurement (OPM) is an evidence-based tool for planning business improvement and creating sustainable competitive advantage. Despite its value, non-acute health charities under utilise OPM. This paper provides rationale for OPM and an OPM implementation model for non-acute health charities. Methods: The authors investigated the understanding and use of OPM in the non-acute health charity sector. A mixed-methods study, including PRISMA systematic reviews and two case study evaluations, identified factors and activities that are important for successful implementation of OPM in non-acute health charities. Findings were then integrated to form an implementation model. Results: The resultant methodological model - the Non-acute Health Charities Measurement Advantage Implementation Model (MAIM), is designed to respond to the specificities and strategic management needs of non-acute health charities. The model integrates five distinct yet inter-connecting components – a theoretical scaffold; guiding principles; an implementation framework; measurement domains; and a monitoring and improvement tool. Conclusions: MAIM is an evidence-informed approach to support the implementation of OPM in the non-acute health charity sector. Future studies should validate the model and the impact of OPM on health charity performance. The applicability of the implementation approach in aiding other management and process changes may also be tested.
Abstract: Background: Organisational performance measurement (OPM) is an evidence-based tool for planning business improvement and creating sustainable competitive advantage. Despite its value, non-acute health charities under utilise OPM. This paper provides rationale for OPM and an OPM implementation model for non-acute health charities. Methods: The autho...
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