Resource allocation and service design in local government: a case study
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 12 January 2015
Abstract
Purpose
Following the introduction of the New Zealand Local Government Amendment Acts (1996, 2002), some significant changes have taken place in resource allocation and service design of local government organizations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of local government reforms on budgetary processes and service design in a New Zealand local government entity.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a qualitative case study research involving semi-structured interviews with the key informants to understand the evolving role of resource allocation the study investigates the budgetary processes in a metropolitan city council.
Findings
The traditional role of budget has changed to a more active and visible instrument in explaining the effectiveness and efficiency in the use and allocation of resources. Budgets have been given a central role in the management of local government finances. The reform process in New Zealand has enabled local government organizations to organize their activities by using the concepts of public and private goods.
Research limitations/implications
This is a single local government entity case study. Any generalization of the conclusions from this study should undertaken with care even though there are similarities between New Zealand and other countries even though they operate under different institutional contexts in different countries.
Originality/value
This paper makes important contribution by highlighting the implications of resource allocation on service design within New Zealand local government entities.
Keywords
Citation
Alam, M. (2015), "Resource allocation and service design in local government: a case study", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 29-41. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-01-2014-0013
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited