Relationships with citizens in public management: a study at the largest Spanish Town Halls

This paper provides an analysis of the relationships existing between citizen participation and satisfaction levels within the framework of Spanish local administrations, additionally paying attention to the links between organisational size and the said participation and satisfaction levels. The results of a survey questionnaire answered by 388 Human Resources (HR) managers from the largest Spanish Town Halls were examined for these purposes. A claim is made both to increase the degree of citizen participation in public decision-making and to ensure the delivery of efficient and effective public services that can really meet citizens’ needs in Spanish town Halls

Accountability and performance of Italian local government authorities: How does e-disclosure affect performance?

The Internet has become the most important channel to disclose information and to reduce the distance between local government authorities and its stakeholders, in order to maintain politicians, managers and public administrations accountable. The study examines the relationship between accountability and performance of Italian Local Government Authorities that are obliged to disclose performance data on their website, in order to enhance transparency and participation for improving public performance. Findings show no significant relationship between e-disclosure and performance, underlining that the greater transparency is only symbolic, and a positive and significant relationship between media interest and performance, highlighting the relevant role that media could have in stimulating citizens to control ways through which politicians and public managers spent money and create public value