The Romanian Journal of Public Affairs (RJPA) is an international, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the study of the public sphere, rooted in public administration, governance and public policy. It publishes both theoretical and empirical research and welcomes interdisciplinary contributions on questions of public interest and the functioning of the public sector. RJPA is an open-access journal. All content is freely available and is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
The paper presents the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) as a participatory method used in public administration research for identifying, clarifying and prioritising participants’ opinions. It analyses the epistemological and methodological foundations of the method, the main stages of its application, examples of its use in European and Romanian public administration, as well as its limits and advantages. The paper also highlights the usefulness of integrating NGT into doctoral research, as an instrument for grounding decisions and for analysing complex administrative phenomena.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evolution of the Minimum Voting Age in the European Union After the World War II
The minimum voting age has become an increasingly debated topic in European public policy and electoral law, particularly in the context of initiatives aimed at strengthening youth participation in democratic processes. While most European Union Member States maintain the voting age at 18, several countries have introduced reforms allowing citizens aged 16 or 17 to participate in elections. This article examines the evolution of the minimum voting age in the European Union after the Second World War through a comparative analysis of national electoral reforms. The research combines the analysis of legal and academic sources with a comparative approach and a questionnaire-based empirical component addressing public perceptions in Romania. Particular attention is paid to the Austrian case, the first EU Member State to lower the voting age to 16 for all elections. The findings indicate that lowering the voting age cannot, by itself, increase democratic participation. Its effectiveness depends on complementary factors such as civic education, political literacy and institutional trust. The article concludes that, in the Romanian context, any future reform should be preceded by sustained public policies designed to strengthen civic competences among young citizens.
Public Auditing in Transition Economies: The Role of Public Auditing in Strengthening Public Sector Integrity and Mitigating Corruption Risks
Public auditing is extensively acknowledged as an essential foundation in combating corruption and promoting good governance, particularly in transitional economies characterized by fragile institutions and inadequate accountability frameworks. The objective of this article is to examine the significance and efficacy of public auditing in combating corruption in the Republic of North Macedonia. The research employs a qualitative case study methodology, analyzing legislative structures, formal audit reports, and pertinent policy documents, utilizing institutional theory. The findings indicate that North Macedonia has made significant strides in conforming its public auditing framework to global benchmarks; yet, substantial obstacles persist in executing audit recommendations, fostering inter-institutional collaboration, and enhancing institutional independence. The research indicates that the anti-corruption capacity of public auditing is inadequately utilized and highlights the disparity between formal institutional frameworks and practical implementation. The research contributes to the current understanding of public sector accountability by providing empirical data from a transitional economy and offering policy-relevant recommendations for enhancing follow-up processes and the efficacy of anti-corruption governance.
Governance, Social Media and Government Policy in Nigeria
This study examines the role of social media in governance and government policy in Nigeria. Specifically, it analyses how social media facilitates civic engagement, political mobilisation, and public discourse; interrogates the policy and regulatory instruments deployed by the Nigerian state in managing social media activities; and assesses the broader implications of social media for governance, public policy, and democratic norms. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study relies on case study analysis of two high-profile governance episodes: the #EndSARS movement (2020) and the Twitter suspension (2021). Data are drawn from secondary sources, including government documents, policy instruments, media reports, and scholarly literature. Findings indicate that social media has significantly expanded citizen participation and advocacy, enabling rapid mobilisation and influencing government responses. At the same time, it presents governance challenges, including misinformation, hate speech, and tensions between digital rights and state regulation. Government interventions, ranging from legislative proposals and administrative codes to coercive measures, reveal persistent tensions between state authority, democratic accountability, and public trust. The study concludes that while social media constitutes a powerful tool for participatory governance, heavy-handed regulation risks undermining its democratic potential. It therefore recommends that Nigeria adopt transparent, rights-respecting, and consultative regulatory frameworks, strengthen institutional capacity for digital governance, and sustain continuous dialogue with citizens to balance policy objectives with democratic freedoms.
Power, Identity, and The Plurality of Voices in The Decolonization of Knowledge in African Universities
This paper critically examines the scope of decolonization in African higher education, focusing on how power, identity, and epistemic voice shape the struggle over knowledge restructuring. It engages Jonathan Jansen’s caution against granting epistemic authority exclusively on the basis of identity, showing that such a move risk weakening academic rigor. At the same time, the paper argues that identity cannot simply be dismissed: it remains fundamental to decolonization, since it draws attention to the plurality of epistemic voices involved, including students, academics, indigenous communities, and administrators, each contributing perspectives shaped by history and lived experience. Focusing on case studies from South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana, selected for the distinct ways they illustrate identity-driven activism, indigenous knowledge recovery, and institutional curriculum reform respectively, the paper examines the tensions and possibilities that arise when these voices contest authority in curriculum reform and institutional practice. In the final analysis, the paper proposes a model of decolonization rooted in epistemic plurality and dialogue, in which the recognition of marginalized perspectives is balanced against intellectual rigor, offering a more inclusive and transformative approach to knowledge production in African universities. The paper adopts the methods of conceptual analysis and philosophical argumentation, engaging primarily with scholarship on decolonial theory and African philosophy of education.
The Irreducible Divide: A Philosophical Critique of Human-Machine Equivalence
The philosophical idea that intelligent computers are humans is thoroughly examined and rejected in this study. It rejects such equivalency using functionalist arguments from J.C. Pollock and Kenneth Sayre. According to first-person viewpoint, subjective experience, and intentionality, robots lack self-consciousness. The study also says robots transcend ethics, culture, religion, and embodied social existence. The paper claims that AI is a great tool but cannot replicate human consciousness due to cognitive architectural constraints, the incorrect analogy of supervenience, and machines' lack of metaphysical and moral agency. This division is necessary to protect human dignity and negotiate the socio-ethical effects of advanced technology.
South Africa and Xenophobic Attacks: Implications on Nigeria Relations
Xenophobia attacks have become a recurrent decimal in South Africa with implications on diplomatic relations between Africa countries especially Nigeria and the world. That is why this paper examines implications of xenophobic attacks on Nigeria-South Africa relations and other Africa countries. The objective of this paper is to identify the implications of xenophobic attacks on Nigeria-South Africa diplomatic relations and to proffer some practical steps to tackle the menace. The paper adopts secondary sources which include published books, journals, newspapers magazines, and internet sources. Interdisciplinary approach to historical research was adopted using content analysis. The paper discovered that massive evacuation of private businesses control by foreign national from South Africa has increase the level of poverty and unemployment in the country. Also, high rate of unemployment and inadequate housing accommodation perhaps the most frequently cited explanation for South African xenophobia, the evidence is mixed. This study concludes that Nigeria - South Africa diplomatic ties has been negatively affected by the xenophobic attacks. The consequential effect cut across economic, political and socio-cultural diplomatic relations between the two countries. However, the study recommended among others that South African government should enhance her diplomatic relations with other African countries especially Nigeria whose citizens have fall victims of xenophobic attacks in their countries, and a pragmatic measure should be taken to eradicate discrimination in South Africa.
The Impact of Kwapreneur Empowerment Scheme on Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Beneficiaries in Kwara State, Nigeria
One of the major issues that governments in most developing nations have had to tackle over time is the challenge of increasing poverty. In Nigeria, the reality of poverty is real as reliable statistics have shown. Thus, successive administrations at both the federal and state levels have initiated programmes targeted at combating the increasing poverty and improving people’s social wellbeing. Consequently, Kwara State Government introduced the Kwara State Social Investment Programmes (KWASSIP) in 2020. The programme was intended to be a poverty eradication initiative with several empowerment components and Kwapreneur scheme is one of them. However, despite the fact that, the agency has run numerous editions of the scheme, there are yet to be dedicated empirical studies targeted at assessing the impacts of the scheme. This study therefore examined the impact of the Kwapreneur scheme on the socio-economic wellbeing of beneficiaries. The study adopted survey as the research design; the population of the study consists of selected 660 existing beneficiaries of the scheme; multi-stage sampling approach was used to select 256 respondents as the study sample. The questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection and the data collected for the study were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The study revealed that, Kwapreneur empowerment scheme has significant effect on beneficiaries’ ability to afford food, decent housing and raise business capital. On the other hand, findings also revealed that the Kwapreneur empowerment scheme does not have significant effect on beneficiaries’ ability to expand their business scope. Based on the findings, the study made relevant recommendations that will further assist government and policy makers to gain deeper insights on how the scheme would be increasingly used to eradicate poverty and ensure improved wellbeing of all and sundry within the state.
Political and Administrative Criminal Record
The paper brings an original contribution to the debate on the accountability of the political class and the reform of the public administration, proposing a practical and concrete mechanism for the evaluation of the activity. The objective is to show that the introduction of a political and administrative record as an innovative tool for assessing the performance and integrity of politicians, dignitaries and public officials will lead to increased transparency and accountability in public administration, providing citizens with a clear and objective means to make informed decisions in the electoral process. The main research methods were the comparative analysis (a parallel between the criminal record model and the proposed concept of political and administrative record), the inductive method (starting from concrete examples of administrative and political dysfunctions, general conclusions are drawn on the need for an accountability tool) and the exploratory method (the proposal of the political and administrative record is an innovative initiative, and the author explores the feasibility of this mechanism, identifying potential advantages, risks and solutions for implementation). As regards the implications of the work, the implementation of a political and administrative record would have major implications for society, being beneficial both for citizens because it would represent an information tool that allows them to exercise their right to vote consciously, and for public institutions as it would improve the process of selection and promotion of civil servants, increasing professionalism and ethics in the public sector. The essential value of the paper is to highlight the transformative role that such an instrument would have, especially since the proposal is based on pre-existing models (criminal record) and explores the feasibility of implementing a similar system for the political and administrative area, based on objective criteria for evaluating the activity of politicians and dignitaries. In addition, researchers and practitioners could use this tool to analyse political and administrative trends and propose further measures to improve governance.
Public Distrust in Government and Low Compliance with Policy Measures in Nigeria During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Diagnosis of Pre-Existing Governance Undercurrents
Following the discovery of the index case of COVID-19 infection in Nigeria in February 2020, the government instituted policy measures, such as travels restrictions, social distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, outlawing of large assemblies, among others, to contain the disease. However, the majority of Nigerians distrusted the government amidst response to the pandemic, and thus there was low compliance with the preventive measures, though with catastrophic consequence. Indeed, there was an astronomical rise in the number of the coronavirus infections in nearly all the states in the country, inclusive of Abuja. This paper argues that the triggers of the citizens’ distrust in the Nigerian government and low compliance with its COVID-19 containment policy initiatives that created this unwholesome scenario did not emanate from the pandemic’s context itself, but from pre-existing substantial governance issues in the country. These includes the experiences of the government’s management of previous nationwide emergencies; the problem of bad, irresponsible, and irresponsive political leadership; pervasive corruption and impunity within the government, to name a few. Accordingly, the study concludes by recommending potent strategies for reversing the subsisting trend of public distrust in the government and low adherence to its regulatory policies in future emergencies, including the need for the Nigerian Federal Government to revisit, investigate, and prosecute alleged cases of corruption perpetrated by the officials of relevant government agencies amid response to past national emergencies, among others. The study depends on data obtained from secondary sources and analysed through the qualitative content analysis and thematic methods.
Canonical Autonomy and Political Sovereignty: Romanian Orthodoxy Between Ecclesiastical Law and Modern Public Law in the Nineteenth Century
The article analyzes the process through which the Romanian Orthodox Church acquired autocephaly from both the perspective of canon law and that of modern public law, highlighting the convergence between the affirmation of state sovereignty and ecclesiastical reorganization in the nineteenth century. The study demonstrates that autocephaly functioned simultaneously as an ecclesiastical canonical institution and as a legal-political expression of the Romanian nation-state.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cristian ȘTEFAN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Review of the Book "An Alternative Guide To The Effective Parliamentarian" By Valeriu Antonovici
Copyright (c) 2025 Florin Marius POPA (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Can Institutionalism Explain Constraints That Are Slowing Down Digital Transformation?
The undergoing process of digitalizing public services all around the world is probably the biggest challenge the public sector has encountered this century and at the same time facing serious setbacks and problems in all the countries going through it. No matter if we talk about simple data digitization or actual digital transformation of entire systems and organizations, the digital change comes as a major threat to existing institutions that have been part of the public system for decades and should be addressed not only as a matter of resources and access to digital tools, but also as a phenomena that affects most of the rules and norms that public servants have been following so far, causing organizational change. This article wishes to address the topic of digitalization in the public sector from an institutional point of view, trying to understand if the already existing norms might pose as a setback for organizational change and if taking them into consideration might contribute to a faster, easier and more efficient process, explain and prevent certain possible setbacks. The first chapters will present a small theoretical introduction regarding digitalization, institutionalism and organizational change as main concepts, along with examples relevant for the present discussion, followed by a short description of interviews conducted with public servants in Romania, in an attempt to understand what main difficulties are they experiencing in the process of digitalizing public services and how much of their reluctancy comes from the existing sets of norms and habits, or from actual educational or resource related problems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Andra CĂRĂUȘU (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Socio-Economic and Political Determinants of ‘Japa’ Syndrome: The Emergent Plight and Flight of the Productive Nigerian Youth
The current youth migration in Nigeria, often colloquially referred to as “Japa Syndrome” in Nigeria, has become a significant socio-economic phenomenon with far-reaching implications for both individuals and society. This study investigates determining factors driving Japa syndrome type of migration among Nigerian youths. The study adopted an exploratory research design and a qualitative method. The study utilized that convenience sampling method to select 40 people whose ages were between 18 and 35 years. The data were gathered through in-depth interviews and thematically analyzed. The findings reveal a complex interplay of economic, social, political, and transnational factors shaping migration decisions among Nigerian youths. Economic factors, including high unemployment rates, stagnant wages, and limited job opportunities, emerged as primary push factors prompting migration, while social factors such as educational attainment, family background, and peer influence also played crucial roles. Moreover, political instability and governance failures were identified as contributing factors driving youths to seek opportunities abroad. Base on the findings, the study proposes a series of policy recommendations to address the socioeconomic determinants of Japa Syndrome migration among Nigerian youths.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Okunola, John Lola (Author); Nil (Translator) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Community Policing and Security Administration in Nigeria
This study examined the impact of community policing on security administration in Akwa Ibom State, focusing on how a problem-solving approach, police-community partnerships, and organizational transformation influenced security outcomes. The research was grounded in Social Resource Theory, which emphasized the importance of establishing a collaborative and supportive relationship between the police and the community. Using both documentary method and open-ended interview the data gathered provided a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between community policing and security issues in Nigeria with a focus on Akwa Ibom State. The objectives were to examine the effect of problem-solving approaches, the impact of police-community partnerships, and the influence of organizational transformation on the effectiveness of security administration. The findings indicated that community policing, when integrated with proactive problem-solving and active community engagement, significantly enhanced security outcomes. It was recommended that security agencies in Akwa Ibom State prioritize regular training on community relations, invest in building partnerships with local stakeholders, and support local vigilante groups in ways that aligned with legal standards and promoted mutual accountability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Edet Joshua TOM, David Lawrence UDOFA, Eno Kingsley EDET (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Thinking Beyond the Moral Foundation of Political Corruption: Kwame Gyekye in Perspective
This paper examines the moral foundation of political corruption analysed by Kwame Gyekye with the goal of offering a pragmatic solution to the phenomenon. The aim is that, beyond the moral foundation, the pragmatic approach will aid the eradication, or considerably minimize the problem of political corruption in the human society. It posits that what most philosophers and social scientists write concerning the nature and extent of political corruption can be categorised as normative, which supports the view that political corruption is enshrined in morality. Looking beyond the realm of theory, the paper argues that there are practical ways to view the issue under consideration. The study submits that (i) the negative impacts which political corruption has on the society causes practical problems than moral, and (ii) that political corruption needs practical/pragmatic solutions than the moral/theoretical ones provided by Gyekye. The study adopts the method of conceptual analysis and clarification.
Copyright (c) 2025 David A. OYEDOLA, Olusola Victor OLANIPEKUN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Key Performance Indicators as Instruments of Strategic Change: Evidence from the Romanian Public Sector
This article explores the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as tools of strategic change in the Romanian public sector. Situated within the broader literature on public management reform, it examines how performance measurement instruments can be mobilized to enhance accountability and support organizational transformation. The study employs a mixed-methods design, combining semi-structured interviews, documentary analysis, and observational research, to investigate the introduction of a KPI-based appraisal system in the cadastral and urbanism departments of Piatra Neamț City Hall (2021-2023). By linking theoretical insights on change management with empirical evidence from a local government case, the article seeks to illuminate the conditions under which KPIs may contribute to institutional learning, performance improvement, and sustainable reform. In doing so, it advances both academic understanding and practical debates on the design and application of performance indicators in transitional administrative contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ioana Alexandra ANASTASIEI (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Conceptual Distinctions and Public Understanding of Lobbying, Advocacy and Influence Peddling in Romania
Interest representation, championing causes of public interest and active participation of citizens serve to strengthen a well-functioning democracy as well as participatory governance centered on the needs and desires of citizens. Although in Romania there are mechanisms through which individuals can express their interests to public authorities, lobbying remains unregulated and advocacy is not so popular. The two concepts are often confused. Moreover, in the absence of clear national regulations, some actions undertaken by the private and non-governmental sector to advance their interests are viewed with suspicion, under the shadow of influence peddling. In order to provide concrete solutions aimed at addressing this issue, it is first necessary to assess the level of understanding of the distinction between the three concepts. In this context, this paper aims firstly to identify how clearly understood is the difference between lobbying, advocacy and influence peddling among the Romanian society, and secondly to highlight the theoretical and practical differences between them. The research involved the development of three hypothetical scenarios depicting a case of lobbying, one of advocacy and one of influence peddling, and presenting them to a group of participants, who were tasked with correlating each scenario with the activity it represented.
Copyright (c) 2025 Florin VĂDUVA (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in European Political Communication: Ethical Implications, Technological Shifts and Regulatory Challenges
The digitalization of public communication, particularly within political campaigns, has undergone a significant transformation driven by Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the European context, this shift brings forth both unprecedented opportunities and complex ethical and regulatory dilemmas. This article explores the evolving role of Big Data and AI in political communication, analyzing its impact on democratic processes, citizens' trust, and regulatory frameworks. Drawing on recent literature, it offers a critical reflection on the capabilities and limits of data-driven campaigning, cross-national differences in technological adoption, and public perceptions of microtargeting. Furthermore, the article discusses the emerging governance models, ethical paradoxes, and the necessity of transparency in the face of generative AI and algorithmic persuasion. The aim is to contribute to a deeper understanding of how European democracies can align digital innovation with democratic resilience and ethical responsibility.
Copyright (c) 2025 Steliana MORARU (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Whistleblowing Through the Gender Lens: Unveiling Disparities in Responses and Perceptions
This paper investigates the relationship between gender differences and whistleblowing within the European Union, with a focus on how gendered dynamics influence individuals’ willingness to report unethical behavior. The study analyzes data from the Special Eurobarometer 548, which offers valuable insights into public attitudes toward reporting mechanisms across member states. By examining this data alongside gendered perspectives, the paper aims to uncover the factors that shape whistleblowing decisions, including the impact of social and cultural influences, and how these factors may vary between men and women. Ultimately, the paper aspires to contribute to the broader discourse on enhancing public integrity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alexandra Mirela KIȘ (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Inside the Mixed-Use Sectional Title Schemes: The Application of Rules to Promote Good Governance
The role of sectional title scheme properties in assisting the South African government in addressing housing challenges is beyond contest. Nonetheless, the Act that governs these schemes has some problems, particularly in managing mixed-use sectional title schemes. One of the failures of this Act is that it grants developers broad authority to define rules for schemes without the input of local governments or corporate corporations. The aim of this article was to provide a complete understanding of rule application within mixed-use or two-tier schemes designed to foster good governance. Additionally, a global comparative analysis of similar schemes will be conducted to evaluate the rule execution and management of these mixed-use plans. Rules violations by both trustees and managing agents were cited as the common causes of poor management of the sectional title schemes; however, what still needs to be answered is the application of rules under the current mixed-use schemes. The current study built on this gap and examined how rules are implemented under mixed-use or two-tier schemes. However, little attention was given to the mixed-use scheme of sectional title scheme properties and the practical application of the rules under this new framework. This study aimed to examine the application of regulations in mixed-use schemes and their impact on the governance of the schemes. A practical recommendation was made on the possibilities of closing the expectation gap encountered with the current mixed-use governance framework.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aldrian Eddie MASHELE (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Performance Appraisal Practices (PAPs) and Employee Engagement (EE) Relationship in the Nigerian Civil Service
Survey in the administration pasture specified that employee engagement (EE) is crucial to effective civil service, because civil service achievement significantly depend on EE. Though, very little thought was given to performance appraisal practices (PAPs) in relations to EE in the civil service context. The key purpose of this study is to analysis the PAPs (i.e. training, performance feedback, job promotion, financial reward and performance recognition) in relation with EE. Consequently, 510 civil servants were included in this review. The research data were gathering via quantitative survey, from civil servants in Kwara State. The hypotheses formulated were checked using PLS-SEM. The outcomes of the findings offered support for three (3) hypotheses out of the five (5). The results of the research signified that job promotion, financial reward as well as performance recognition have significant relationships with EE, while the performance feedback and training have no significant relations with EE. Thus, this investigation gives empirical confirmation to the practitioners on EE. It further offers insight for directors in civil service on how to boost EE via training, performance feedback, job promotion, financial reward and performance recognition.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullateef AMEEN, Adams Lukman JIMOH, Abubakar Yaru UMAR (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Infrastructure Development and Its Economic Impact. Comparative Analysis Between Germany, Romania and Bulgaria
This article analyzes the economic impact of infrastructure development, with a comparison between three European Union member states: Germany, Romania, and Bulgaria. Infrastructure, including transportation, energy, telecommunications, and water and sewage systems, is essential for economic growth and quality of life. The study highlights that Germany, with its developed infrastructure, supports a robust economy and a high standard of living, while Romania and Bulgaria would benefit from additional investments to reduce economic and infrastructure gaps. The data used in the comparative analysis are sourced from EuroStat, divided into four major infrastructure categories. The conclusions emphasize that efficient investments in infrastructure are critical for economic development, but their success significantly depends on the quality of governance. The article provides insight into the need for modernization and expansion of infrastructure in Romania and Bulgaria to achieve an economic level comparable to that of Germany.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Indoor Pollution and Employees’ Performance in Unifoam Nigeria Limited and Fortunate Bakery
Researchers have long been eager to uncover the causes of declining productivity. This study investigates the adverse impact of indoor pollution on worker performance, with a particular focus on businesses located in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State in Nigeria. The study involved 83 participants from different workplaces who completed surveys, and the chi-square statistical method was used to test four hypotheses. The results revealed a significant correlation between employee productivity and the work environment, particularly about pollution levels. The study revealed that businesses that maintained a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for their employees were more productive and in greater demand. The conducive workplace environment improved worker performance, leading to a reduction in negative behaviours such as laziness, low commitment, and absenteeism. In conclusion, the study advocates for initiatives aimed at enhancing work performance factors to foster positive productivity. Suggestions include implementing financial incentives, motivating employees, adopting more worker-friendly management policies, and improving employee wages. These measures are deemed crucial for fostering a more conducive work environment and enhancing overall productivity.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Democracy. A Study Case on #REZIST Movements
This paper examines how the evolution of information technologies and digital tools has revealed their capacity to facilitate mass participation in legislative processes. Our primary objective is to highlight the transformative role of digital platforms in strengthening digital democracy. By analyzing the intersection of technology and civic participation, we aim to illustrate how digital tools are reshaping traditional democratic paradigms and empowering citizens to actively contribute to governance (Raiu, 2015). Particularly, the Romanian #rezist protest exemplifies the power of online organization and mobilization in contemporary activism through digital platforms. In this context, the #rezist movement underscores how digital technologies can facilitate rapid and effective mobilization, transcending geographical boundaries to foster a unified voice for social and political change.
Public Opinion Manipulation Through Mass Media. A Study Case on Gaza-Israel Conflict
This paper presents how the mass media and new communication technologies influence the formation of public opinion. The main purpose is to demonstrate that social media plays an essential role in influencing the public. By analyzing the main functions of the mass media and manipulation techniques, we will observe how these are reflected in the news about the Gaza-Israel conflict, as well as the effects they generate.
How Different Public Authorities Reflect International Migration?
Migration represents a social phenomenon, influential and which is encountered globally, especially in Romania, where people choose to leave the country in search of better conditions, meaning that Romanian migration represents the most frequent typology of migration encountered in Europe by East and West. Romanian migration represents a form of dynamic migration, which produces significant changes, and its effects are most felt in the economic and social sphere. However, an important aspect of migration and diaspora is represented by the way data is reported both at the national and international level, especially since such information helps to evaluate and monitor Romanian citizens outside the border, influences the perception of diaspora and contributes to the development and implementation of policies dedicated to this community.
Does the Current Governance Framework of the Sectional Title Scheme Influence Its Governance Practice?
This article investigated whether the current governance framework for sectional title schemes influences its governance practices. The primary goal was to examine the degree to which the rules of the sectional title schemes under the current governance framework are implemented and their impact on governance practices in managing those properties. Furthermore, the study investigates the effects of these guidelines on the overall governance procedures involved in administering sectional title properties. The research seeks to uncover gaps and issues within the governance structure that may impede effective property management by examining the alignment between mandated regulations and their actual implementation. The findings provided insights into how successfully the current rules enable or hinder good governance practices in sectional title schemes, with implications for policymakers, property managers, and stakeholders looking to improve. A practical recommendation was made on the possibilities of closing the expectation gap encountered with the current governance framework.
Unveiling the Impact of Incentives on Public Sector Employee Performance: A Comparative Exploration of African and European Systems
In addressing the imperative to enhance productivity among public sector employees, the global consensus emphasizes the essentiality of this endeavour. Leaders worldwide are driven by the anticipated economic advantages and associated prestige. Despite the prevailing inclination toward privatization, widely regarded as a precarious pursuit, there exists a compelling demand for a novel and efficacious solution. Recent research endeavours turn their attention to incentives as a potential remedy, leveraging the enduring appeal of financial rewards in the pursuit of contemporary efficiency. However, a meticulous comparative analysis focusing on continents poised to benefit significantly—Europe and Africa—yields unexpected insights. While monetary incentives have demonstrated effectiveness in fostering productivity within the private sector, the altruistic motivations inherent in public service roles appear to wield greater influence, at times even countering the intended effects of incentives. Consequently, future research must direct its focus toward a formidable alternative rooted in internal motivations and unwavering commitment, acknowledging the limitations of monetary inducements in the public sector.
Does the Taxation of Motor Vehicles Work? Evidence from Eastern European Countries
Taxation represents a unique opportunity for governments to solve multiple problems, economic, social, or environmental. Motor vehicle taxation intends to solve all those problems by incentivizing the taxpayers to make the best decisions for the environment and to use the collected funds to implement multiple policies to solve its intended purpose. Eastern Europe is a special case study because it falls behind compared to Western countries in terms of greenhouse gases and the average state of their motor vehicles.