THE PERCEPTION OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MORDOVIA)

Abstract

Introduction. The assessment of the effectiveness of the activities of local governments represents the results of the work of local authorities to ensure the balanced functioning of all systems, sustainable development of the territory, and satisfaction of the needs of the population. Socially effective management presupposes a positive attitude of people towards life on the territory of the municipality. Higher local government ratings are associated with higher levels of trust. On the contrary, a low level of trust negatively affects satisfaction with the work of local governments. Considering municipal government as a social institution, first attention should be paid to the competent distribution of functions between municipal employees, the quality of their work and the satisfaction of residents with its results depend on this.
Materials and methods. Evaluating the effectiveness of municipal authorities is one of the priority areas of the administrative reform. Monitoring studies on the assessment by the population of the Republic of Mordovia of the effectiveness of the activities of local governments of the city district and municipal districts, conducted annually by the Center for Social and Economic Monitoring of the Republic of Mordovia, are a form of social audit aimed at improving the efficiency of municipal management. The research method is a sociological analysis of the data obtained because of a face–to-face formalized survey of residents in order to determine the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the assessment.
Results and conclusions. The quantitative data characterizing the activities of local governments and heads of municipalities were obtained. The classification of population groups depending on the attitude to the work of administrative structures was proposed. The focus is on the problems and desires affecting the powers of local authorities. The reasons for the unstable functioning of local governments have been identified. The data can be used to develop recommendations for improving elements of the municipal management system. The main task facing the local community is to implement joint projects aimed at the development of local territories.