Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies

The Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies (JGAS) is an online peer-reviewed, open access scholarly journal, which publishes critical and original analysis from researchers and academic practitioners on various social, political and government issues. JGAS welcomes high-quality manuscripts covering original research articles, review articles, book reviews, case reports, and discussions aimed at advancing both theoretical and practical development on areas of governance and accountability issues.

The Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies (JGAS) is an online peer-reviewed, open access scholarly journal, which publishes critical and original analysis from researchers and academic practitioners on various social, political and government issues. JGAS welcomes high-quality manuscripts covering original research articles, review articles, book reviews, case reports, and discussions aimed at advancing both theoretical and practical development on areas of governance and accountability issues.

Published
2022-01-13

Articles

Managing uncertainties for effective social network: Strategic analysis of media literacy with Scenario Planning Method

Purpose: This research was conducted to identify future scenarios in the field of media literacy and explore alternative futures in this field in Iran. Research methodology: The method of this research was scenario planning or scenario design with an exploratory futuristic approach. In this method, in several steps from identifying the factors affecting the future of media literacy to exploring future uncertainties, creating the logic of scenarios, describing the narrative of scenarios, identifying and strategically analyzing opportunities and threats related to each scenario, and finally identifying strategies for the future Includes with each scenario. Results: In this study, 30 factors affecting the future were identified and analyzed perceptually/cognitively. The output of the research is to present four possible future scenarios of media literacy with the letters of Paradise Lost, Titanic, Leviathan, and The Dark Knight, each of which is described in the following article. Limitations: Each of the strategies is derived from the matrix analysis of opportunities and threats and their interaction. Contribution: The present study will theoretically contribute to the academic and theoretical richness as well as promote the culture and literature of futurism in the field of communication sciences and especially in the field of media literacy. It has operational importance and necessity.

Assessment of local government autonomy and governance: A case study in Nigeria

Purpose: This paper critically examines opportunities and problems confronting the Nigerian local government system. To assess why the practice of complete local government autonomy and governance is difficult in Nigeria and suggest measures that may help improve the collaboration between the federal, state, and local government authorities in Nigeria. Research methodology: 300 questionnaires were administered to the staff of the Nkanu-West Local Government Area in Enugu State, and 276 were returned giving a response rate of 92 percent. The Marxist theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. Results: Results show that state interference in local affairs contributes to a lack of local government autonomy and governance, and the constitutional provisions portend intractable inter-government problems which make the local government a whipping child and less autonomous. Limitations: Nkanu-West local government is the only local government covered by the study. Contribution: The outcome of the study will be a contribution to the existing literature in the area of local government autonomy and governance.

The impact of climate change on ecosystem services and socio-economic conditions of Char Dwellers in Northern Regions of Bangladesh

Purpose: The proposed livelihood framework approach facilitates an understanding of the linkages between char livelihood strategies, asset status, and the way of using available natural resources. Research methodology: The study was conducted by a Questionnaire interview, Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interviews, and secondary data. Climatic factors like varying temperature, rainfall, sunshine, and wind speed were detailed studied. Results: In this study, we identified several indicators viz., five livelihood capitals (human, natural, social, physical, and financial) that are vulnerable now but have a prospectus, climatic disaster, and threat that faced with char dwellers are floods, riverbank erosion, thunder, heatwave, cold wave, and erratic rainfall. Finally, the present status of the Ecosystem Services negatively impacts livelihood and agricultural practices. Limitations: Sustainable livelihoods do not support analysis of political economy factors and the future difficulties of climate change are a significant worry for the reasonable development of the locale are the major limitations of the research. Contribution: This study will be contributing achievement of ecosystem management the executives in agricultural nations like Bangladesh e.g. subject to Good Governance and the current strength of biodiversity and environment elements.

Local citizen participation in Uganda: Examining the political, administrative and financial aspects in Hoima district

Purpose: This study aims to ascertain the impact of political, administrative and financial factors on local participants in Hoima district, Uganda. Research methodology: To ascertain the factors that impact participants in Uganda, a descriptive study was used in which primary data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The factors were identified and clustered into thematic areas; they indicate a cluster of three factors appeared as themes. The results suggest that financial and political challenges are key impediments to effective participation and a good number of the technical personnel were not appointed on the basis of technical know-how. Hoima district needed to intensify its advocacy regarding increased central government transfers as well as the disbursements of more unconditional grants coupled with regular monitoring of its technical personnel. Limitations: The key limitation is the geographical scope since this study covered only one district, implying that the results cannot be generalized for the whole country. Contribution: The results of this are essential to academics in both Public Administration and Policy studies interested in enhancing local democracy and citizen-based governance.

Rewarding or Sanctioning Performance? A critique on group dominance and counter-group dominance in public organizations

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the synergy between performance rewards and performance sanctions. Research methodology: A desk research was adopted in which obtainable literature was consulted regarding the emerging themes and sub-themes of the study. Results: Results suggest that PRS are key elements in organizational management. Both monetary - and non-monetary rewards play significant roles but there is a greater move towards non-monetary rewards among modern-day organizations and public managers. Execution of performance sanctions is an essential aspect of enforcing performance though there are challenges inhibiting the process of identifying employees to be sanctioned. In this paper, it has been noted that direct supervisors are likely to suggest sanctions as a way of venting their anger against the unsuspecting victims. That is why it is imperative to reflect on whether the emphasis on performance rewards and sanctions is perpetuating group dominance and how probable the counter-group dominance group can abide by and/or ward off elements of subjugation in public organizations. Limitations: This study relied solely on secondary data yet adoption of primary data would yield significantly. Contribution: The results of this study are useful in guiding future field-based studies as well as those involved in human resource management in both the public sector and the private sector.

The role of e-Government in overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria

Purpose: The article aims at identifying the challenges of e-government amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and proffered recommendations to arrest the identified challenges.  This paper also examined e-Governance in selected countries such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada and how it has fared including Nigeria revealing its implications for Nigeria as a developing nation. Research Methodology: The article adopts a review study approach in analyzing the subject. Results: Some of the challenges identified by the study include but are not limited to inadequate technical know-how and ICT skills to drive and sustain e-government. Recommendations from the study include, the Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy to build a backbone that will connect all States of the country and the upskilling of the workforce through the Ministry of Labour and Employment amongst others. Limitations: Insufficient quantitative data based on the subject under discourse Contributions: Identified possible areas that the Nigerian government could look into to improve e-government in order to promote inclusivity, awareness, and most importantly reduce the cost of governance.