ABSTRACT
This study aims to employ a descriptive research method to evaluate the satisfaction levels of citizens regarding public services within Quezon City, Philippines. Using a combination of surveys and structured interviews, the research endeavors to understand the perceptions, experiences, and satisfaction levels of residents accessing various public services provided by the local government. Quezon City, being one of the largest and most populous cities in the Philippines, offers a broad spectrum of public services, encompassing health, infrastructure, education, waste management, and more. This study endeavors to utilize a descriptive research method to provide an unbiased and comprehensive analysis of citizen satisfaction levels with these services. The research will employ a systematic survey of a representative sample of Quezon City residents, aiming to gather diverse perspectives on public services. Utilizing a structured questionnaire, the survey will focus on various service aspects such as accessibility, quality, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction. Additionally, structured interviews with a smaller group of residents will allow for deeper insights into their experiences and specific areas of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The survey and interview data will be collected through a stratified random sampling method, ensuring a representative cross-section of the city’s diverse demographics. Data will be collected anonymously, safeguarding respondents' privacy and encouraging candid feedback. The collected data will be subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Quantitative data will be processed statistically to determine average satisfaction levels and identify patterns. Qualitative data from interviews will be thematically analyzed to provide nuanced insights into the reasons behind satisfaction or dissatisfaction with specific services.
Keywords: Network Dynamics, Collaboration, Public Management
INTRODUCTION
In today's complex and interconnected world, collaboration has become an indispensable element in achieving success, particularly in public management. The era of isolated, hierarchical decision-making processes has given way to a more participatory approach, characterized by the dynamic exchange of ideas, resources, and expertise among a diverse set of stakeholders (Hämäläinen & Edwards, 2020). This transition has introduced new paradigms in public management, where the nexus between public and private entities has gained prominence, giving rise to the concept of Collaborative Public Management (CPM). In this context, the present study embarks on a journey to unravel the intricate web of network dynamics and collaboration that underpin the successful execution of project-based outputs in selected private enterprises within Quezon City.
The inception of CPM can be traced back to the mid-20th century when governments recognized the limitations of traditional bureaucratic models in delivering effective public services. The need for improved responsiveness, flexibility, and innovation led to a gradual shift towards engaging various non-governmental actors, including private sector companies, in the public policy process. The evolution of CPM is closely intertwined with the principles of collaborative governance, emphasizing cooperative problem-solving, shared responsibilities, and multi-sectoral partnerships to address complex public issues (Ansell & Gash, 2007).
Quezon City, as the largest city in the Philippines, offers an ideal backdrop for exploring the dynamics of collaboration in the realm of CPM. The city, home to diverse private enterprises, provides a fertile ground for understanding the nuances of network dynamics and relationships within collaborative efforts. As a thriving metropolis with a multitude of projects aimed at enhancing public services, it serves as a microcosm of the broader shift towards collaboration in public management.
While CPM has gained widespread recognition for its potential benefits, the intricacies of interorganizational networks and the underlying dynamics of collaboration remain understudied (Piga & De Luca, 2019). This study aims to bridge this gap by focusing on the level of collaboration and team relationships among private company employees involved in the execution of project-based outputs. By delving into the specifics of how private enterprises interact and cooperate within the context of CPM, we hope to shed light on the challenges, successes, and overarching trends that shape the landscape of collaborative public management in Quezon City.
The rationale for this study is rooted in the significance of collaboration in modern governance. Collaboration is not merely a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of effective public management (Turrini & Cristofoli, 2020). Governments, driven by a desire for improved service delivery, cost-efficiency, and innovation, have increasingly turned to private companies as partners in achieving these objectives. These collaborations, however, do not occur in isolation but within a networked context. The interplay of various actors—government agencies, non-profits, private companies, and community organizations—creates a dynamic, ever-evolving ecosystem where understanding and managing network dynamics are paramount.
Private enterprises in Quezon City, often entrusted with specific project-based outputs, play a crucial role in this ecosystem. They are expected to bring innovation, expertise, and efficiency to the table. In this context, assessing the level of collaboration and team relationships among their employees is essential. The success of collaborative public management initiatives depends on the seamless interaction of all stakeholders involved. A lack of collaboration or misalignment in team relationships can hinder progress, leading to suboptimal outcomes and potentially eroding the trust in CPM as a viable approach.
Furthermore, by examining the experiences of private company employees in Quezon City, we can gain insights into the broader dynamics of collaboration between public and private sectors. These insights can inform policy decisions, foster best practices, and facilitate improvements in the way collaborative efforts are structured and managed. The study's findings may also contribute to the academic discourse on CPM, adding empirical evidence to the theoretical foundations of collaborative governance
This study embarks on a journey to explore the intricate web of network dynamics and collaboration in the context of collaborative public management in Quezon City. By assessing the level of collaboration and team relationships among private company employees, we aim to contribute valuable insights that can inform policy decisions, enhance best practices, and enrich the academic discourse on collaborative governance. Quezon City, as a bustling hub of public-private interaction, offers a rich tapestry for unraveling the nexus of CPM, ultimately striving for more effective and innovative public management.
Research Questions
Collaborative Public Management (CPM) has emerged as a paradigm shift in public governance, emphasizing the need for multi-sectoral partnerships, shared responsibilities, and cooperative problem-solving. The concept of CPM recognizes that the challenges of contemporary society require the involvement of diverse stakeholders, including private enterprises, in the decision-making and implementation of public policies and projects. While CPM holds promise for improving public service delivery and policy outcomes, the nuances of network dynamics and the level of collaboration among private company employees in this context remain a relatively unexplored area in the existing body of research.
see PDF attachment for more information