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Management number | 201903429 | Release Date | 2025/10/08 | List Price | $10.21 | Model Number | 201903429 | ||
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Comparative public administration has not considered country size, but this Element provides a comprehensive account of the effects on administrative structures, practices, and public service performance. Large states benefit from specialization, but small states experience advantages and disadvantages linked to multifunctionalism and informal practices. Midsize countries may achieve economies of scale while avoiding diseconomies of excessive size.
Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Even though countries have significant variations in population size, comparative public administration has not adequately addressed this contextual factor. This Element presents the most comprehensive theoretical and empirical analysis to date of the impacts that country size has on the functioning of public administration. It synthesizes existing literature and develops a theoretical framework that distinguishes the effects of small, medium, and large country size on administrative structures, practices, and public service performance. Large states with more extensive administrations benefit from specialization but face coordination challenges, whereas small states experience advantages and disadvantages associated with multifunctionalism and informal practices. Midsize countries can attain economies of scale while avoiding diseconomies of excessive size, potentially leading to the highest performance. Descriptive and causal statistical analyses of global indicators and a qualitative comparison of three countries, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Germany, illustrate the diverse ways in which size matters for public administrations worldwide.
Introduction:
The study of public administration has long been interested in understanding the factors that influence its effectiveness and efficiency. While many scholars have focused on factors such as government structure, policy implementation, and bureaucratic behavior, less attention has been paid to the impact of country size on public administration. This is despite the fact that countries vary significantly in population size, economic development, cultural diversity, and political systems, which can all have profound effects on the functioning of public administration.
Theoretical Framework:
To address this gap in the literature, this Element provides a comprehensive theoretical and empirical account of the effects that country size has on the functioning of public administration. It synthesizes existing literature and develops a theoretical framework that distinguishes the effects of small, medium, and large country size on administrative structures, practices, and public service performance. The framework is based on the premise that country size is a significant factor that shapes the way public administrations operate and interact with their citizens.
Effects of Small Country Size:
Small countries, defined as those with a population of less than 1 million people, often face unique challenges in terms of public administration. One of the main challenges is the lack of resources and infrastructure. Small countries may have limited financial resources, which can limit their ability to invest in public services and infrastructure. This can result in poor quality public services, such as healthcare, education, and transportation, and can hinder economic development.
Another challenge for small countries is the difficulty in achieving coordination and collaboration among different government agencies and departments. With fewer resources and staff, it can be difficult to establish effective communication channels and procedures, which can lead to duplication of effort and inefficiencies. This can also hinder the ability of small countries to respond to emergencies and crises effectively.
Despite these challenges, small countries can also experience advantages in terms of public administration. One of the advantages is the close relationship between the government and its citizens. Small countries tend to have smaller bureaucracies and more personalized services, which can lead to better customer service and more efficient government operations. This can also foster a sense of community and social cohesion, which can be beneficial for economic development and social well-being.
Effects of Medium Country Size:
Medium-sized countries, defined as those with a population of between 1 million and 10 million people, often face similar challenges to small countries but also have some unique advantages. One of the main advantages of medium-sized countries is their economic and political stability. Medium-sized countries tend to have a more developed economy and a more stable political system, which can provide a stable environment for public administration. This can also facilitate coordination and collaboration among different government agencies and departments, as there is a greater sense of shared responsibility and accountability.
Another advantage of medium-sized countries is their ability to achieve economies of scale. Medium-sized countries have a larger population and a more developed economy, which can provide a larger market for public services and goods. This can lead to lower costs and improved quality of public services, which can benefit citizens and businesses alike.
However, medium-sized countries also face some challenges in terms of public administration. One of the challenges is the potential for bureaucratic overload and inefficiency. With a larger bureaucracy and more complex government structures, it can be difficult to manage and coordinate public services effectively. This can lead to delays in service delivery, poor quality of services, and a lack of transparency and accountability.
Effects of Large Country Size:
Large countries, defined as those with a population of more than 10 million people, often face unique challenges in terms of public administration. One of the main challenges is the sheer size and complexity of the government. Large countries may have numerous government agencies and departments, each with its own responsibilities and functions. This can lead to a lack of coordination and collaboration among different government agencies, which can hinder the ability of the government to respond to emergencies and crises effectively.
Another challenge for large countries is the potential for bureaucratic overload and inefficiency. With a larger bureaucracy and more complex government structures, it can be difficult to manage and coordinate public services effectively. This can lead to delays in service delivery, poor quality of services, and a lack of transparency and accountability.
Despite these challenges, large countries can also experience advantages in terms of public administration. One of the advantages is the potential for specialization and expertise. Large countries may have a greater number of professionals and experts in various fields, which can provide a higher quality of public services and goods. This can also lead to innovation and economic growth, as large countries can attract investment and promote technological advancements.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, country size is a significant factor that shapes the functioning of public administration. Small countries face unique challenges in terms of resources and infrastructure, coordination and collaboration, and public service quality. Medium-sized countries have advantages in terms of economic and political stability, economies of scale, and potential for specialization and expertise. Large countries face unique challenges in terms of sheer size and complexity of the government, bureaucratic overload and inefficiency, and potential for specialization and expertise. By understanding the effects of country size on public administration, policymakers and practitioners can develop strategies and policies that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of different countries. This can help to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public administration and promote social and economic development.
Weight: 139g
ISBN-13: 9781009114110
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