Authors

• Foundation for Municipal Development

Keywords

distribution of power, local government, management, municipal government, municipal managers, municipalities, personnel management

Abstract

Municipal managers were asked what kind of characteristics, qualities, and skills would be important for future municipal managers. The respondents also assessed their own leadership qualities and strengths. Opinions on how well their municipality's management system worked (relations between municipal authorities and elected officials, citizen participation, etc.) were charted. Views on who has real influence and power in municipal decision-making were probed.

The respondents were asked what kind of municipal leadership system they would prefer (e.g. municipal manager versus mayor) and what might be the consequences of introducing mayors. They also evaluated how well the municipality had succeeded in the management of different sectors, such as health services, municipal finances, employment, or industrial development. Some questions covered the successfulness of human resources management and co-operation.

Background variables included the respondents' sex, status in municipal administration, municipality size, region, vocational education, membership in a non-governmental organisation, and party allegiance.