Using strategic management practices to promote participatory democracy in Australian local government |
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Authors: | Neil Marshall Kevin Sproats |
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Affiliation: | 1. Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Science , University of New England;2. Professor at the Western Sydney Research Institute , University of Western Sydney |
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Abstract: | Abstract Strategic management was introduced as a critical component of Australian local government reform during the 1990s. In addition to encouraging efficiency and effectiveness of operation, it was also intended to promote participatory democracy within local authorities. The paper explores the extent to which this objective has been achieved through an analysis of twenty‐five New South Wales municipalities. Discussion concludes that while strategic management has enhanced community involvement in local governance, it cannot be a substitute for traditional democratic processes. |
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Keywords: | strategic management participatory democracy local government |
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