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Decentralization and Subnational Governance: Theory and Praxis

Decentralization and Subnational Governance: Theory and Praxis

Roberta Ryan, Ronald Woods
Copyright: © 2020 |Pages: 34
ISBN13: 9781522598602|ISBN10: 152259860X|EISBN13: 9781522598619
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-9860-2.ch020
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MLA

Ryan, Roberta, and Ronald Woods. "Decentralization and Subnational Governance: Theory and Praxis." Open Government: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications, edited by Information Resources Management Association, IGI Global, 2020, pp. 384-417. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-9860-2.ch020

APA

Ryan, R. & Woods, R. (2020). Decentralization and Subnational Governance: Theory and Praxis. In I. Management Association (Ed.), Open Government: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp. 384-417). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-9860-2.ch020

Chicago

Ryan, Roberta, and Ronald Woods. "Decentralization and Subnational Governance: Theory and Praxis." In Open Government: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications, edited by Information Resources Management Association, 384-417. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2020. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-9860-2.ch020

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Abstract

A trend towards decentralized systems of government and the strengthening of subnational governance is underway globally. However, decentralization has many different meanings, and it is frequently left undefined, even while it is being implemented. This chapter argues that enhanced understanding of concepts and theories can contribute to improved practice during decentralization reforms, and consequently be of benefit both to governments and their citizens. Drawing on the theoretical, research and public administration literature, an approach is adopted that aims to inform decentralization praxis, that is, the interplay of policy, strategy, implementation and review. The material is used as a foundation for presenting a synthesis-framework for praxis that draws attention to: appreciating the theoretical scope of fiscal decentralization; focusing on the country and its goals; considering the design of the system of multi-level governance; focusing on central and local capacity; and adopting flexibility, supported by feedback mechanisms, in the process of decentralization.

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