It is widely assumed that the relationship between governance capacity and decentralization determines the success in governance, but how does this relationship function is largely contested. Does decentralization lead to an improvement in governance capacities, or are certain capacities preconditioned in order for decentralization to lead better governance? Relying on an empirical study of Turkish provincial municipalities, the book argues success in decentralization is strongly influenced by the socioeconomic conditions in the province and to a lesser extent by the local government's capacity. The book provides a novel approach to capacity building practices and decentralization reforms by suggesting that the relationship between decentralization and governance capacity should be addressed not only on the organizational but also on the developmental level. In this way, the book proposes asymmetrical decentralization according to socio-economic development at subnational level for better governance outcomes.

Develops novel conceptual and analytical models by bringing together the disparate literatures of decentralization, governance and government capacity Brings a new insight on the ambivalent relationships between decentralization, development and better governance Provides policy relevant recommendations to public managers, development specialists and international donor organizations on decentralization practices

Autorentext

Evrim Tan is a visiting professor in the Public Governance Institute at the University of Leuven, Belgium. His research concentrates on decentralization, local government, capacity building and public management reforms.

Inhalt
Introduction.- Chapter 1: Decentralization and Capacity in Public Governance.- Chapter 2: Turkey's Local Government Reform Process.- Chapter 3: Local Governance Capacities in Turkey.- Chapter 4: What is the Relationship between Governance Capacity and Decentralization?.- Chapter 5: Towards an Asymmetrical Decentralization Design.