Attempts a critical evaluation of the theoretical foundation of the local government system in Nigeria. Re‐assesses Nigeria′s idea of three‐tier federalism both as a theory of federal organization and as a policy reform. Reviews the different definitions of “tiered federalism” and...

Institutional development (ID) can be an elusive concept when attempts to analyse it are made. The notion of sustainability is even more intangible, save for the fact that the results of any ID should be able to continue after the external or technical assistance is withdrawn. Attempts to define...

Recent increases in the use of planning consultants by local authorities prompted an interest in the decision‐making process. Initial interviews uncovered some negative attitudes towards consultants; however, a follow‐up mail survey of 240 chief planning officers revealed that these...

Local government in the UK is not immune from the pressures driving successful organizations towards top quality services that delight their customers. Outlines some of the special features of local government service provision and the way in which these might affect the assessment of service...

Observes that there has been considerable recent interest in evolving forms of network organizations, and notes the suggestion that organizations are developing increasingly fuzzy external boundaries as ongoing relationships with external subcontractors are developed. Identifies a number of...

The changing processes and practices of governing have led to the emergence of an increasingly complex environment in which a plethora of organizations and agencies can be involved in the governance of local communities. The successful forging of these systems of community governance depends on...

Argues that user involvement can provide the best basis for reforming the internal and external relationships of local government, supporting both the reinvigoration of public accountability and providing the only secure foundation for improvements in operational effectiveness. Considers and...

Draws upon detailed empirical work undertaken with elected members and senior officers from a sample of 30 UK local authorities. Its focus is on the ways in which authorities have responded to rapid changes in the economic, social and political contexts and the profound challenges which these...

Local government is the second or third tier of government deliberately created to bring government to the grassroots population, as well as give its members a sense of involvement in the political process that controls their daily lives. Decentralization is a natural indispensable counterpart...

This paper considers the role of gender in urban governance, taking Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in India as case study. Findings are presented from a research programme involving both female and male politicians and administrators in order to explore the ways in which women and men undertake the...