A Thesis Submitted to the School of Public Administration and Management in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Award of the Degree of Master of Public Administration (MPA) of Mzumbe University
This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of hierarchical structure for local government decision making process. The study specifically examined the procedures in the local government decision making process , the existing organizational structure and regulations, and identified the specific challenges encountered in the hierarchical structure of the local government authority.
The study used case design research design with a sample of 136 respondents selected through convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, FGD, and documentary review. They were analysed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft word.
Findings revealed that majority of respondents were not involved directly in decision making; this is due to the nature and structure of the organization management. Decision follows the hierarchy, procedures guiding the decision making of the local government gave the full council and the district executive director (who are at the top level of the hierarchy) mandate of being the final decision maker. Other figures in the management prepare the grounds for decision making, and if it happens that they made decision, then that decision will be for district executive director. Generally the hierarchical structure of local government authorities place full council at the top, followed by District Executive Director.
These two set goals and the direction of the organization and below them is the HOD’S and HOS’s who are the supporting layers, they apply these goals into their areas and give the appropriate information flow for the management. involvement of HOD’s in decision making is through the meeting like The Council Management Team (CMT), and the standing committees of district council. All procedures for decision making is limited to standing orders (2009) and the local government Act 1982 and the Local Government Act2002.The challenges for using hierarchical structure for local government decision making process are: Delay of information due to the absenteeism of some important decision makers, corruption as the power is much vested to few figures so they misuse it, Loss of document and Nepotism.
The study recommended that key persons for decision making be available or delegate other persons when absent, bureaucracy be reduced, corruption and nepotism be fought, care on documents keeping, and adjust customer chatter to fit customers’ needs. Further studies were recommended to deeply investigate the challenges facing effective rational decision making, and to conduct a similar study to confirm the findings.