Authors:Naoki Fujiwara Pages: 125 - 141 Abstract: In today's globalized society, achieving balanced national development requires regional strategies that emphasize both domestic and international collaboration. Municipalities must attract foreign tourists, promote local product exports, and support SMEs' overseas expansion. These policies shifted from traditional administrative approaches to those demanding short-term results and practical benefits. This necessitates innovative policy formulation by entrepreneurial municipalities. This study explores the organizational and governance structures that strengthen local bureaucratic systems to effectively implement these international policies. The research methodology includes analyzing policy documents related to Japanese municipal international policies and conducting field interviews with 36 expatriates, primarily from Japanese municipal overseas offices in Singapore and Bangkok, between 2020 and 2023. The findings reveal that in the VUCA era, international municipal networks evolved from one-on-one sister-city relationships to multi-city networks focused on information sharing and project development. Additionally, the organizational structures of international policy-executing bodies increasingly involve partnerships with national agencies and collaborations between municipalities and private companies, including outsourcing certain tasks. Based on these insights, this study presents a developmental model that categorizes international municipal policies into three stages: Traditional Administration, New Public Management, and Network Governance. It also offers policy recommendations for leadership, policy evaluation, and human resource development to empower local bureaucracies. PubDate: 2025-03-20 DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v9i2.1225 Issue No:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
Authors:Soleil Erika Cruz Manzano Pages: 142 - 159 Abstract: The economic status of a local government is not a determinant of its governance quality. In the case of Philippine cities, the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award conferment demonstrates that good institutional performance is achievable regardless of income classification. Annually, awards come from the entire income class spectrum, from the highly urbanized city to the poorest, albeit inconsistently. This study examines the factors found in low-income cities that perform well, despite resource limitations. Using the cases of the cities of Balanga and Lamitan – consistent SGLG awardees – this qualitative study suggests that sociocultural factors (e.g., social networks), rather than socioeconomic factors (e.g., income), influence local government performance. As seen in its dense social networks, a city’s stock of social capital manifests as active civic participation that reinforces good institutional performance. Similarly, local chief executives with substantial social capital influence good governance and have potential to become local policy entrepreneurs. They thrive in low-income cities due to the networks and resources that allow them to innovate. The results of this study emphasize the importance of civic participation in improving the institutional performance of local governments. PubDate: 2025-03-26 DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v9i2.1209 Issue No:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
Authors:Taketo Terada Pages: 160 - 181 Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the factors that contribute to social inclusion through urban redevelopment projects in metropolitan areas. Existing research argues that Japan's urban development system promotes redevelopment projects that prioritize corporate interests, while neglecting the interests of residents. Nevertheless, most redevelopment projects in Japan are led by local governments and their incentives are not limited to attracting corporate investment. Therefore, through case study analysis, this study examines how the involvement of local actors (bureaucrats) in redevelopment projects affects the degree of social inclusion. The hypothesis is that bureaucrat-led redevelopment, which is managed and led by the local administration with the master plan of the city, is likely to lead to social inclusion. The significance of this study is to expand the literature on the impact of gentrification policies on social inclusion by examining the case of Japan and providing suggestions for policymakers seeking sustainable urban development. PubDate: 2025-03-25 DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v9i2.1224 Issue No:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
Authors:Althea Denuevo, Rowena Libo-on Pages: 182 - 198 Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the intrapreneurship and business performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises in Iloilo City, Philippines. Intrapreneurship includes new business ventures, innovation, self-renewal, and proactiveness. Business performance includesfinancial and market performance . Survey data we re collected from 162 enterprise owners or managers from industries such as manufacturing, wholesale, retail trade and repair services, accommodation/food services, financial and insurance services, and others. The results confirm a positive correlation between intrapreneurship and business performance. A significant difference was detected in the level of innovativeness when enterprises were grouped according to their business type. The majority of the enterprises were operating for between 5 and 14 years, mostly micro enterprises and sole proprietorships. Marketing and operations activities were highly practiced by the enterprises. Support from other entities was rated the highest in comparison with partnerships with academe and government support. The highest mean score for proactiveness indicates a high level of intrapreneurship. Medium enterprises and those operating for 45 or more years have very high market performance. To encourage an intrapreneurship culture within the organization, where creativity and innovation can be fostered to enhance business performance, an efficient and effective intrapreneurship program is recommended. PubDate: 2025-04-21 DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v9i2.1238 Issue No:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
Authors:Irene Arizala Dalapo Pages: 199 - 217 Abstract: This study aimed to analyze organizational culture, HR strategies, organizational climate, and performance at Region II Trauma and Medical Center (R2TMC) and their relationships. A descriptive-inferential research method using a structured questionnaire was employed, with 314 randomly selected personnel as respondents. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and correlation procedures. Findings revealed a strong organizational culture marked by employee involvement, consistency, adaptability, and a shared mission. HR strategies were effectively implemented in recruitment, performance management, and employee development. The organizational climate scored high in clarity, standards, responsibility, and teamwork, while R2TMC demonstrated strong performance in ethics, leadership, and communication. The study confirmed significant correlations between these factors. A strong organizational culture enhances HR strategies and climate, while effective HR strategies foster a positive climate. Aligning these elements is crucial for maximizing performance. Results suggest R2TMC’s responsive approach supports staff growth and well-being, impacting financial, operational, and employee management outcomes. Finally, the study proposes a performance enhancement model based on these findings. PubDate: 2025-04-21 DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v9i2.1240 Issue No:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
Authors:Umesh Bhakta Joshi Pages: 218 - 229 Abstract: The COVID 19 pandemic creates a situation where innovation/expertise should be incorporate in public decisions promptly. Civil servants should bring such decisions into effect immediately. Thus, COVID 19 pandemic stresses revisiting the roles of politicians, bureaucrats and experts. However, to what extent politicians, bureaucrats and experts are collaborating for the sake of innovative ideas for policy making in COVID 19 post pandemic era in Nepal is limited exploration in Nepal eventhough government of Nepal (GoN) has been carrying out reformation efforts since 1950s and continuing till date. In this purview, this paper aims to explore higher education’s contributions to make public policy from socio-administrative perspective. The research methodology is guided by case study based. Documents of public service Commission, Nepal (PSC) and University Grants Commission, Nepal were reviewed to identify aspirants to join in civil servants at one hand. On the other hand, the teaching methods, syllabuses of Master’s level, research activities, and eventually developed policy briefs were collected from Dean offices of the University and research centres of university to find out the areas where Universities of Nepal provided innovative policy suggestions to government Nepal in administrative reform areas. Finally, interview with deans of Arts and Humanity Faculty and Management Faculty and Research Directorate, department head, secretary of Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MOFAGA)- central personnel agency were carried out. Besides, questionnaire survery was carried out to 330 respondents identified from UGC report. The research paper concluded that University contributed theoretical understanding of administrative management effectively whereas limited contributions in strategic areas of public administration. PubDate: 2025-04-23 DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v9i2.1236 Issue No:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
Authors:Joe-Mar S. Perez Pages: 230 - 249 Abstract: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused significant adjustments in the landscape of public governance in the Philippines. While the world was focused on the pandemic, the Philippines had to simultaneously address the impacts of disasters such as volcanic eruption and strong typhoons. In response, the government resorted to the use of “Task Force”, a military concept wherein a unit is designed to work on a single activity. This paper aims to answer the research question: how does the Philippine government operationalize task forces during emergencies such as COVID-19 and other disasters' Using secondary research as methodology, it examines the reconfigurations in the national government in terms of leadership, structure, human capital, policies and practices for disaster management. It analyzes the strengths and challenges of drastic reinventions in public administration and governance while in the middle of a crisis situation wherein all sectors are affected and their implications for the post-pandemic period. PubDate: 2025-04-24 DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v9i2.1237 Issue No:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
Authors:Kamiko Akio Pages: 250 - 262 Abstract: Whistleblowing systems in local Japanese governments represent a relatively new addition to the country’s administrative framework. Originally designed as a general system applicable to both public and private sectors, these systems were later adapted for local governments with minimal adjustments. This has led to ambiguity in distinguishing whistleblowing from other established objection-making systems such as those managed by personnel commissions and equity missions. Drawing on the author’s experience as the chairman of a whistleblowing committee in Fukuchiyama City, this study explores the challenges of demarcating whistleblowing from other objection channels, particularly in cases involving staff remuneration, incompetent officials, and workplace harassment. The study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing real-world cases and reviewing legal frameworks, including the Local Public Personnel Act and local bylaws. This highlights the lack of standardization of whistleblowing systems across Japanese municipalities, as each local government designs its own system within vague central guidelines. This research identifies instances where whistleblowing is used inappropriately, bypassing more specialized systems, and examines the implications of this trend. It also considers the reasons for the popularity of whistleblowing, such as the allowance for anonymous reporting and the simplicity of the process, and suggests that whistleblowing systems have expanded the scope of objection-making in Japanese local governments; they have also created confusion by overlapping with existing systems. The paper concludes with recommendations for a clearer demarcation between whistleblowing and other objection channels, emphasizing the need for better-defined roles and expertise in handling different types of complaints. This study contributes to the broader discourse on whistleblowing systems and their integration into public administration. PubDate: 2025-05-06 DOI: 10.30589/pgr.v9i2.1250 Issue No:Vol. 9, No. 2 (2025)
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