Strengths and weaknesses of local government management leadership
Notably, the local government has established itself as a reliable branch of the government in most countries. While the popularity of the federal government has been dwindling throughout the years, research has shown that the local government has been gaining auspicious regards in the recent past. The local government has shown better results that even the local states. This is true since according to research done, 6 out of 10 people have faith in the local government compared to the state government (Florida, 2012). The local government aims to fulfill the needs of the community and may therefore gain popularity since results are visible (Newell, 2004).
This school of thought can be attributed to the strengths of the local government. An example is the local government voicing the concerns of the areas they represent (Florida, 2012). In many occasions, the local government has been noted to be more sincere and focused when addressing the needs and concerns for the areas they are held responsible. Such is not the case of other state or federal representatives. This is because the other representatives work according to the party they represent and not the needs of the people therefore increasing capacity building (Newell, 2004).
The local government in most areas has a reputation for resilience, consistency, loyalty, and conviction (Blyth, 2012). Such values have remained to be the pillars of the local government. With such demanding expectations, this branch has always delivered results consistently and responded to range of views in a flexible way while working with the local citizens.
Finally, due to the non-political partisan characterized with the local government, it has been known to exercise procedures and deliver projects with fairness throughout the Ares they represent. Decorum as well as accountability to public funds is a virtue well held in this branch. Compared to the state and federal leaders that are rumored to be responsible for embezzling funds, such incidences are un-heard of in the local government (Montalbano, 2012).
The local government has shown weaknesses in some areas. Despite the good work of representing the local citizen, problems may arise because of their actions and sometimes not. Its greatest weakness is the division of a region. This often happens since a region may involve several groups or tribal divisions. With each region being divided to several local governments, a disparity may be experienced of one region tends to flourish while another remain dominant and they are represented by different local managers (Montalbano, 2012). Another weakness is the inability to control the local politicians that represent the same regions. They may be driven towards taking a certain project since it is in their political agenda yet it is contrary to the needs of the citizens and it becomes the job of the local leaders to convince them otherwise.
Strategies the local governments might employ in the future to build upon existing strengths
As civilization and development is increasing in most parts of the world, local governments have engaged in competitiveness and thus have achieved in project delivery and productivity. This stated the competiveness as earlier noted might result to conflict and regional hatred. The local government is then advised to compete together instead of against each other. This will result to unity and in the end, such a relationship may help local governments benefit mutually with aiding their partner if need be and vice versa.
With the local government noted to be very hard working and efficient in delivering solution and development, they are recommended to incorporate databases that measure progress in the community. Such a tool may not only help the local leaders measure their progress but also create incentives reflecting upon the work done (Clark et al, 2010). Such a measure will only increase productivity and citizen satisfaction which is the main goal of the local government
The final implementation recommended to the implementation of the local government procedures is to reduce environmental footprint on land. Most local governments have embraced the rehabilitation of previously destroyed land but that is not where the fight against global warming should stop. Due to the rampant surge of urban growth, most local governments are way over their heads in the local urban planning and these results to poor waste disposal. Good urban planning and proper land use may go a long way in saving environmental degradation (Clark et al, 2010).
New approaches for the local government
In areas that are disaster stricken, it has traditionally been the job of the federal government to assist its citizens in the recovery of the event. In most occasions, the local government has remained neutral on the issue and this should change. Despite the local government lacking enough funds to engage in projects of this capacity, the local governments should embrace its position in pre, post disaster management, and provide professional leadership (Newell, 2004). Such roles that may involve the local government include education on disaster management and personal advice on way forward, since the local government works from the grass root level; the citizens may find it appreciative and beneficial if the local government guide the citizens on how to avoid massive damage on their properties and even lives (Dabo et al, 2007). The government would also afford to supply the local citizen with basic disaster control gear like bleach in case of floods and basic fire extinguishers in case of fires.
In conclusion, local governments are the foundation of leadership and as such should deal with then needs of the citizens on a local level. The discovery of the role of local leaders in the community ensures that progress is enhanced and comprehensive (Newell, 2004). Therefore, local leaders should consider the voice of the citizens other that the other politicians as noted in some regions. The local managers should also device ways to learn the opinion of citizens and most of this can only be achieved by enhancing technology. Amidst the recommendations made earlier, a key point of improvement to most local governments should be improvement of technology. Technology would connect the community contribution. A vital prerequisite for effectual community contribution is recognizing the requirements of a professional local government manager since it revolves around issues of policy implementation. Determining the degree of community partaking has been an indescribable objective (Newell, 2004).
References
Blyth, Alex. The changing face of leadership, 2012.
Clark, Greg, et al. Policy paper on urban planning: local leaders preparing for the future
of our cities, 2010.
Dabo, Awa, et al. UNDP discussion paper: local governance, peace building, and state
building in post conflict setting, 2007.
Florida, Richards. Americans trust local government more than Washington, 2012.
Montalbano, Elizabeth. NYC Crowdsources City Improvement Ideas, 2012.
Newell, Charldean. The effective local government manager, 2004.
