Decentralization and Good Governance in Angolan Local Governments
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Decentralization and Good Governance in Angolan Local Governments Nkosi Mankenda Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Political Science Commons, Public Administration Commons, and the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Nkosi Mankenda has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Mark Starik, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Christopher Jones, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. George Kieh, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Decentralization and Good Governance in Angolan Local Governments by Nkosi Mankenda MPA, Walden University, 2013 BS, Private University of Angola, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2020 Abstract Effective provision of public goods and services is among the common issues affecting local governments in Angola. Administrative decentralization is a well-known strategy to foster municipal governance, yet Angolan citizens perceive a lack of impact from this strategy. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the perceptions of leaders and followers in public administration regarding the lack of impact of administrative decentralization on Northern Angola, and to examine the role of public administration education to reverse this trend. The theoretical frameworks were Pierson’s path dependence theory and Cooperrider’s appreciative inquiry theory. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 14 participants and a review of documents. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results revealed ambiguity and uncertainty as barriers to administrative decentralization. Respondents reported appreciation and change as drivers for good local governance. Findings may be used to inform policymakers and other partners regarding the importance of effective leaders and followers in empowering citizens to advance sustainable development of Angolan local governments. Decentralization and Good Governance in Angolan Local Governments by Nkosi Mankenda MPA, Walden University, 2013 BS, Private University of Angola, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2020 Dedication I dedicate this study to public servants who work tirelessly to foster the well- being of their residents. It is equally dedicated to the loving memory of my grandmother Kelo Elizabeth, and my mother Dimbu Angelique who inspired me to be the best in life and help others. I further dedicate this dissertation to my children Futi, Timóteo, Eunice, Ester, and Kelvine for their sacrifice and undeniable support for a noble cause. Likewise, I dedicate this study to my granddaughters Nkenge and Kayla. Finally, I extend a special dedication to my wife Matumona, my lifelong friend and spiritual partner who encouraged me to persevere through the completion of my PhD program. She is a virtuous woman. Acknowledgments Many seasoned people have contributed to the accomplishment of this study. I would like to thank the Walden University community, including my classmates and faculty members for the interaction, learning, and encouragement along the way. I would like to show thankfulness to my former dissertation committee chairperson, Dr. Anthony B. Leisner for having laid the foundation for success. I want to express gratitude to my dissertation committee chairperson, Dr. Mark Starik, who showed commitment when he took over from my first chairperson and decided to drive me through to completion. A special appreciation goes to my second committee member, Dr. Christopher Jones for his time and his thorough review of my dissertation. I also thank Dr. George K. Kieh, the university research reviewer who insisted that my study complied with Walden University’s research standards. I would like to equally show appreciation to the study’s 14 participants whose identities will remain anonymous, but whose unwavering contribution for the integrity of the dissertation cannot be overstated. To those who directly or indirectly contributed to the success of this special journey, please accept my token of higher appreciation and esteem. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................7 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................13 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................15 Research Questions ......................................................................................................16 Theoretical Frameworks ..............................................................................................16 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................17 Definitions ....................................................................................................................19 Assumptions .................................................................................................................21 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................22 Limitations ...................................................................................................................24 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................24 Summary ......................................................................................................................26 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................28 Introduction ..................................................................................................................28 Literature Search Strategy ............................................................................................33 Theoretical Frameworks ..............................................................................................34 Path Dependence Theory ...................................................................................... 35 Appreciative Inquiry Theory ................................................................................. 39 i Concept of Decentralization ........................................................................................41 Theories of Decentralization ................................................................................. 44 Pathologies of Decentralization ............................................................................ 45 Decentralization and Governance ......................................................................... 46 Decentralization in Sub-Saharan Africa ............................................................... 48 Administrative Decentralization ........................................................................... 52 Local Government .......................................................................................................54 Summary and Conclusions ..........................................................................................56 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................58 Introduction ..................................................................................................................58 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................59 Research Questions ............................................................................................... 59 Descriptive Qualitative Case Study ...................................................................... 59 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................60 Methodology ................................................................................................................62 Sampling ..............................................................................................................