Valtion aluehallintovirastot ja niiden ylijohtajat: Pohjoiseurooppalainen analogia Ranskan prefeikteille

This chapter examines the closest Finnish analogy to the French function of the prefect. In Finland, since 2010, this function has been vested in the institution of the State Regional Administrative Agency (SRAA, aluehallintovirasto, ‘AVI’). There are six SRAAs, each headed by a Chief Director (ylijohtaja) nominated by the government. The study had four main findings. First, despite ambiguity in institutional terminology, classifications, boundaries and identities concerning the SRAA, one can discern few true functional or structural deficiencies. Second, the SRAA is a hybrid between an institution of its own and a territorial representative of either government ministries or government agencies, to which is related the fact that each SRAA has both responsibilities concerning its territory and nationwide responsibilities. Third, tensions between performance and institutional legitimation prevail in the institution of the SRAA, but again without serious deficiencies. Fourth, the 2010 substitution of the SRAA for the former Province comprised a radical institutional change. The 2015–2019 Finnish government intended to abolish the SRAAs, but the subsequent government abandoned that reform, and ultimately by mid-2020 it became clear that the institution of the SRAA was here to stay after all.Peer reviewe

Accountability and performance of Italian local government authorities: How does e-disclosure affect performance?

The Internet has become the most important channel to disclose information and to reduce the distance between local government authorities and its stakeholders, in order to maintain politicians, managers and public administrations accountable. The study examines the relationship between accountability and performance of Italian Local Government Authorities that are obliged to disclose performance data on their website, in order to enhance transparency and participation for improving public performance. Findings show no significant relationship between e-disclosure and performance, underlining that the greater transparency is only symbolic, and a positive and significant relationship between media interest and performance, highlighting the relevant role that media could have in stimulating citizens to control ways through which politicians and public managers spent money and create public value