International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management (35 papers in press)

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• Open Access

  Hybrid resilience in conflict zones: lessons from Aqaba port ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Raouf Ali Al-Rjoub, Omar Yaseen Mahmoud Khoder 
  Abstract: This study analysed how Aqaba Port maintained operational continuity amid the Red Sea crisis, serving as a significant case study in the management of public sector performance in conflict-affected contexts. This documentary study integrates quantitative port performance metrics and qualitative assessments of governance adaptability in relation to UNCTADs resilience pillars. Reactivation of the Syrian land corridor, digitalisation of customs, and selective financial incentives-maintained throughput levels despite a 57% decrease in vessel calls and significant cost inflation, achieving 6.36% year-over-year growth by May 2025. Hybrid resilience, which combines anticipatory governance and infrastructure scalability, is essential for service delivery during geopolitical disruption. This study demonstrates how institutional agility transforms crisis susceptibility into strategic advantage and recognises corridor dependency as a structural risk in public sector efficacy.
  Keywords: conflict-zone logistics; hybrid resilience; public sector performance; red sea crisis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10080554
   
  
• Exploring the nexus between work-life interface and employee performance in federal government hospitals  
  by Akeem Tunde Nafiu, Charity Amechi Ezenwakwelu, Juwon J. Orugun, Dare Joseph Enimola, Williams Okpebenyo, Simon Sule Adomokhai, Danlami Joseph Aduku, Emeka Alex Akwaeze 
  Abstract: The study aimed at the work-life interface and employee performance. The study examined how role conflict affects task performance, and how lessened role ambiguity affects the emotional stability. It adopted a survey research design in the North Central Region of Nigeria. Using a snowball sampling method, the study purposefully obtained 271 questionnaires from participants who were health workers or professionals. The study employed descriptive statistics to analyse data. The study used Amos-structural equation model (SEM) for the test of hypotheses. Findings showed that there is no significant positive connection between role conflict and task performance of health workers and that there is a significant relationship between lessened role ambiguity and emotional stability of health workers, among others. The study recommended, among others, that health organisations should put a high priority on reducing role ambiguity and encouraging an atmosphere where workers feel secure and emotionally stable in their roles.
  Keywords: role conflict; task performance; role ambiguity; emotional stability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2025.10071172
   
  
• The impact institutional isomorphism factors of coercive, mimetic, normative and mediation of social media in creating the public value in the Iraqi parliament committees  
  by Mustafa Abdullah Hasan, Amenah Abdulkareem Mahdi Al-Mashhadani, Marwan Sabah Hasan 
  Abstract: This study explores institutional isomorphism pressures and their mediation through social media in the context of public value creation within Iraqi parliament committees. Employing deductive and quantitative approaches, it investigates the relationships between coercive, normative and mimetic pressures, examining their direct impacts on public value creation. Surprisingly, coercive and mimetic pressures exhibit significant direct influences, while normative pressures do not, prompting further inquiry. The study also scrutinises the mediating role of social media, revealing its transformative impact on the relationships between institutional pressures and public value creation. Findings contribute to refining the theoretical framework of institutional isomorphism, offering practical insights for parliamentary practitioners and policymakers. Using Smart PLS4, this quantitative study assesses the validity of the conceptual framework proposed by Hasan and Baskaran (2022) for the public sector, providing insights into its relevance for the Iraqi parliament and contributing to theoretical advancements and practical implications.
  Keywords: parliamentary institutions; government sector; public value; new public management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2025.10071847
   
  
• Sustainable development with village funds: risk, cost, and benefit analysis in Undaan Tengah Village, Indonesia  
  by Arwanto Harimas Ginting 
  Abstract: This study aims to analyses how the risks, costs and benefits of village funds are used to realise development in the village. The success of village development will support the progress of the surrounding area and can improve the welfare of the community. Government support in the form of funds is officially outlined in Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages. The study also considers the impact of the paradigm of village development shifting from ego to ecosystem, where village development emphasises more on collaboration between stakeholders. With a qualitative methodology, this study uses interviews, as well as observation and analysis of documents. The results of the study show that there is great potential in the use of village funds to improve community welfare, but risk management is an important consideration so that increasing the capacity of village apparatus is a key factor to achieve effective and sustainable development.
  Keywords: village development; risk management; collaboration; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2025.10072084
   
  
• A bibliometric review on financial efficiency of state university  
  by Mukesh Kumar, Nitu Nimbrain, Garima Kataria, Meenakshi Rao, Vaibhav Aggarwal, Manoj Rathee 
  Abstract: Financial efficiency has emerged as an indispensable part of state universities long-term sustainability amid rising pressures to ensure operational continuity and economic value. Despite increasing volume of research on financial efficiency, a detailed synthesis of the academic terrain in context of state universities is yet to be fully realised. Additionally, there is a pressing need to investigate the changing patterns of research, prominent contributors, and dominant themes steering this field. This study presents a bibliometric review of 214 Scopus-indexed documents published from 1947-2025, to trace the evolution and thematic landscape of research, which also align with the framework of United nation Sustainable development goals. SDGs, particularly SDG4 (quality education) and SDG8 (decent work and economic growth) act as a pathway for attaining equitable and sustainable development in HEIs. Furthermore, RStudio and VOSviewer software are employed for performance analysis and science mapping. The analysis identifies three key themes: transparency, performance and accountability in university governance; comparative perspectives on cost efficiency and operational flexibility in universities; university-industry collaboration and institutional innovation. The study outlines future research agendas for each theme. The implications of these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the intellectual structure, offering insights for future research and policy interventions.
  Keywords: higher education institutions: HEIs; financial performance; UN SDG4; UN SDG8.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2025.10073513
   
  
• The role of organisational commitment on internal marketing and service quality of frontline employees in Malaysia  
  by Rozanah Abd Hamid, Ahmad Rafiki, Sylvia Nabila Azwa Ambad 
  Abstract: Malaysia ranks among the top three ASEAN countries in terms of public service size, and as it moves toward high-income status by 2030, enhancing service delivery is vital. Despite improvements, persistent citizen complaints emphasise the need for better service quality. This study examines how internal marketing (IM) influences organisational commitment (OC) and service quality (SQ) among frontline public servants. Data from 161 employees were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS SEM). Findings reveal that all hypotheses are significant: IM significantly affects OC, which in turn significantly enhances SQ, with OC significantly mediating the IM-SQ relationship. The study contributes to the limited literature on public sector frontline employees by demonstrating how IM practices such as effective communication, fair rewards, and management support foster stronger OC and improved SQ. The validated model provides a strategic framework to strengthen employee commitment and service excellence in Malaysias public sector.
  Keywords: organisational commitment; frontline employee; internal marketing; public sector; Malaysia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2025.10074508
   
  
• Social accountability, the quality of government and its impact on service delivery  
  by Mohammad Razaul Karim 
  Abstract: Social accountability, a concept involving the active participation of citizens in overseeing and ensuring the accountability of public officials and service providers, stands as a widely embraced remedy for addressing performance challenges within the public sector. This article looks at how the setting affected the goals and results of social accountability. The research employs a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing from existing datasets, reports, and academic literature, to achieve its objectives. According to this article, social accountability can be a valuable tool for ensuring that the underprivileged receive better services. Much of the literature tends to place excessive emphasis on demand-side factors, such as civil society and citizens. The nature of state-society relations and supply-side elements, such as state structures and processes, are also significant. Prior iterations of new public management (NPM) based service delivery reforms prioritised incentives right in the public sector. Establishing direct accountability mechanisms that empower citizens has become increasingly prevalent. However, we must understand the context in which collective actors operate to evaluate the likelihood of social accountability.
  Keywords: new public management; NPM; accountability; social accountability; state; service delivery.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10075635
   
  
• A race to sustainability: a comparative analysis of e-waste management policies in China and India  
  by Animesh Kumar Sharma, Rahul Sharma 
  Abstract: This paper conducts a critical examination of waste management policies in two rapidly growing economies, China, and India, with a particular focus on the paradigm of circular economy and e-waste management. The waste management strategies of both countries are significantly shaped by government policies. A national development plan may more easily include the concepts of the circular economy because of Chinas centralised governance system, which allows for quick policy formation and execution. Indias federal structure, on the other hand, makes coordination difficult and leads to disjointed policies and uneven implementation. This critical study emphasises how important it is to develop waste management plans that are specific to each nations socio-economic environment. Policymakers can create comprehensive strategies to handle the difficulties of waste management by learning from Chinas experiences and utilising Indias advantages. This would help these developing economies achieve their goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
  Keywords: circular economy; growing economy; e-waste management; EWM; China; India; government policies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10076851
   
  
• Public subsidy fraud in Greece, Cyprus and the Western Balkans: institutional weaknesses, detection challenges and policy responses  
  by Petros Lois, Spyros Repousis 
  Abstract: This study examines public subsidy fraud in Greece, Cyprus and the Western Balkans (Serbia, Bulgaria and Albania) from 2010 to 2024, focusing on institutional weaknesses, detection challenges and governance risks. A qualitative, comparative design drawing on secondary EU data, including reports from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO), national audit findings, academic literature, and case studies. The results reveal persistent gaps in data digitisation, oversight, and enforcement, which enable subsidy fraud schemes, including falsified claims, ghost entities, and collusive networks. Proposed reforms include integrated electronic registries, AI-based analytics, geospatial verification, whistleblower protections, and regional data-sharing mechanisms. This is one of the first cross-country studies linking EU anti-fraud frameworks with governance realities in Greece, Cyprus, and the Western Balkans.
  Keywords: Greece; Cyprus; Western Balkans; subsidy fraud; institutional weaknesses; crisis-driven disbursement; AI in fraud detection; state capture; public finance integrity.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077106
   
  
• Integrated communication on employee performance: mediating psychological well-being and role of motivation  
  by Liwaul Liwaul, Arifin Utha, Eka Suaib, Muhammad Amir 
  Abstract: This study investigates the influence of integrated organisational communication on employee performance within Indonesian public organisations, utilising job motivation and psychological well-being as mediating variables. Employing structural equation modelling (SEM) with data from 120 public sector personnel, the findings indicate that integrated communication considerably impacts overall well-being and motivation, leading to performance improvements. Bureaucratic limitations were identified as impediments to communication efficacy. The results suggest that clear communication structures that satisfy employees psychological requirements can improve motivation and productivity. This study enhances organisational communication literature by emphasising the mediating function of psychological well-being and providing a framework to refine communication techniques in public sector environments.
  Keywords: integrated communication; psychological well-being; work motivation; employee performance; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077551
   
  
• Sleep health fatigue and job performance among public sector foundry shift workers in India: a structural equation modelling approach  
  by Manish Bhadke, Minhaj Ahemad Rehman, Ashish Linge 
  Abstract: Indias foundry industry has little involvement of public sector foundries. Through a cross-sectional field survey, this study investigates how public sector foundry workers quality of sleep and rest, fatigue, general health and job performance are affected by shift work and its characteristics. Direct observation and pre-tested, standardised questionnaires were used to gather data. To create a conceptual model and examine both direct and indirect impacts, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was done. The models SRMR of 0.084 indicates that it fits the data well. The findings showed that the biggest predictors of job performance were fatigue, general health, and quality of sleep and rest, which combined accounted for 35.9% of the variance. Lifestyle and work-related factors accounted for 6.7% variance in fatigue and 5.0% variance in sleep and rest quality. Thus workplace interventions are needed to improve health, reduce fatigue, enhance sleep quality, and boost job performance.
  Keywords: shift work; sleep; fatigue; health; job performance; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077552
   
  
• Mechanisms and barriers to popular participation in Tigray, Ethiopia  
  by Adonay Habtu 
  Abstract: The research shows that there is inadequate space provide to the actors and insufficient means for popular participation in Tigray from the point view of citizens, councillors, public officials and civil society organisations. Community, religious organisations, private businesses, and NGOs are not adequately represented in the council and executive leaderships. Moreover, there are no available mechanisms that enable the representation of these actors like the empowerment bill in congress. In addition, there is absence of a strong and determined political will and lack of financial empowerment. There should be an empowerment bill that has provisions in the code for mandatory public hearing and consultation. Furthermore, rules and mechanisms for direct participation in governance and institutes measures of direct accountability of local governments to communities need to be established, in order for new relationships of trust and cooperation to develop.
  Keywords: popular participation; mechanisms of popular participation; decentralisation; barriers of popular participation; Ethiopia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077582
   
  
• Reimagining performance management: a holistic approach to transforming Zimbabwes public sector for sustainable development  
  by Noah Ariel Mutongoreni 
  Abstract: The public sector in Zimbabwe is facing significant challenges in implementing performance management systems. A performance management system has been in place since 1995. Despite governments efforts at managing performance, the public sector continues to struggle with service delivery. This study examines performance management within the context of Zimbabwes socio-political landscape. It poses critical questions regarding the effectiveness of current performance management practices and their potential for fostering a high-performance culture in the Zimbabwean public sector. Data was collected through interviews and desktop research. It was analysed through thematic and textual analysis. The findings indicate that successive performance management frameworks have failed to yield desired results. This issue stems, in part, from the failure to adopt a holistic, human-centred approach to human capital strategy, which is further exacerbated by a deeply entrenched culture of patronage. The paper argues for a comprehensive approach that integrates various human resource strategies.
  Keywords: performance management; public sector; sustainable development; Zimbabwe.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077770
   
  
• Does the interaction of fiscal imbalances and states political antecedents hurt or foster fiscal performance? Evidence from Nigerian subnational levels  
  by James Oladapo Alabede 
  Abstract: The widening fiscal imbalance between the different layers of government in a federal system, particularly in developing countries, where the phenomenon appears to be more critical, has attracted the interest of scholars and other stakeholders in recent times. However, the political intricacy of intergovernmental fiscal relations in developing countries and its moderating influence on the interplay between fiscal imbalance and the fiscal performance of sub-national governments (SNGs) cannot be underestimated. On this ground, this study utilised panel data from Nigerias SNGs from 2013 to 2017 to investigate the relationship between fiscal imbalance and the fiscal performance of SNGs, taking cognisance of the moderating effects of their political antecedents. The studys findings demonstrate that vertical fiscal imbalance (VFI) is high and significantly impairs the fiscal performance of SNGs. At the same time, the effects of the interaction between VFI and political alignment, along with political changes, were discovered to strengthen the fiscal performance of the SNGs. By implication, the studys findings illustrate that the extent to which fiscal imbalance affects SNGs fiscal performance is contingent upon the political characteristics of the SNG.
  Keywords: fiscal imbalance; vertical fiscal imbalance; VFI; horizontal fiscal imbalance; HFI; fiscal performance; FP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077809
   
  
• Public sector healthcare utilisation, access and quality among migrant labourers: an empirical evidence from Mumbai, India  
  by Pooja Kansra, Neel Deepak Ukidave 
  Abstract: The present study examines healthcare utilisation, access and quality of public healthcare services received by migrant labourers in the Mumbai. The study is based on cross-sectional data and descriptive in nature. The data was collected from the construction workers, fishermen and unregistered shopkeepers. The findings of the study reveals that majority of the respondents have suffered from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. The study has identified a gap between expectations and perceptions in the public healthcare service quality dimensions. The study findings have shown that respondents have incurred both direct as well indirect costs for healthcare utilisation in public healthcare services. Furthermore, it was observed that healthcare utilisation is significantly associated with gender, education, chronic disease, accessibility, income and distance to health facility. The study highlights the need to improve public healthcare infrastructure to enhance service delivery and quality. It is suggested to strengthen the public health infrastructure in migrant dense areas to address SERVQUAL gaps.
  Keywords: healthcare utilisation; access; migrant labourers; public healthcare services; SERVQUAL; socio-economic; quality of care; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077810
   
  
• Assessing the factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence in advertising within the public sectors  
  by Naresh Saini, Ashish Kumar Saxena, Vivek Agrawal, Sucheta Agarwal 
  Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming advertising practices by enabling data-driven personalisation, campaign optimisation, and automated content creation. Despite its potential, AI adoption within public sector advertising remains uneven and underexplored. This study systematically reviews peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and early 2025 to identify the key factors influencing AI adoption in public sector advertising. Using databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, relevant studies were analysed through thematic synthesis. The review identifies five interrelated categories of determinants shaping adoption decisions: technological, organisational, environmental, perceptual, and ethical factors. The findings indicate that AI adoption in public sector advertising is not solely a technical or economic choice but is influenced by organisational readiness, regulatory pressures, perceived public value, citizen trust, and ethical considerations such as privacy and algorithmic bias. The study further suggests that traditional technology adoption models, including TAM, TOE, and UTAUT, can be strengthened by incorporating advertising-specific constructs such as transparency, message effectiveness, and regulatory fit. By integrating evidence across advertising, digital governance, and AI adoption literature, this review offers a comprehensive framework to guide policymakers and public sector organisations in designing responsible and effective AI-enabled advertising strategies.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; public sector advertising; technology adoption; ethical governance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077811
   
  
• Enacting human resource management under weak institutionalisation: role flexibility and workload convergence in a frontline local government organisation  
  by Andi Rasdiyanti, Andi Muhammad Faruq A. Punagi 
  Abstract: Human resource management (HRM) reforms aim to clarify job roles and rationalise workloads in decentralised public organisations, yet frontline practices often diverge from formal arrangements. This qualitative study examines how roles and workloads are enacted in a village-level local government office in Indonesia operating under weakly institutionalised HRM. Drawing on interviews, non-participant observations, and organisational documents, the study reconstructs roles and workloads through triangulated task catalogues, reported frequency and duration, and evidence normalised across the annual work cycle. The findings show persistent decoupling between formal HRM structures and everyday practices. Roles are enacted through overlap, substitution, delegation, and cross-cutting support, producing convergent workloads across positions without formal workload planning. These patterns function as adaptive mechanisms sustaining administrative performance under limited capacity and fluctuating demand. The study links collective role enactment to emergent workload outcomes and reframes informal coordination as an organisational mechanism.
  Keywords: human resource management; HRM; institutional decoupling; role enactment; workload convergence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10077978
   
  
• The role of knowledge management in mitigating the prevention of public sector innovation failure in Indonesian local government  
  by Arip Rahman Sudrajat, Fepi Febianti, Deden Haria Garmana, Lesmana Rian Andhika, Yoga Arifin 
  Abstract: This study examines how knowledge management (KM) processes mitigate innovation failure in Indonesian local governments. Based on the Bukowitz and Williams model, the research conceptualises innovation failure not merely as a technological problem but as an institutional failure to manage the knowledge cycle comprehensively. A qualitative comparative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 33 key informants, document analysis, and field observations in Sumedang, Banyuwangi, and Aceh Tenggara. The findings reveal that local governments that operate KM cycles demonstrate stronger evidence-based decision-making, collaboration, efficiency, accountability, and innovation sustainability. Conversely, suboptimal knowledge processes lead to innovation being more administrative and underdeveloped. This study concludes that KM serves as a governance mechanism to prevent innovation failure and to strengthen the long-term resilience of public-sector innovation.
  Keywords: knowledge management; public sector; public innovation; innovation failure; local government.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10078206
   
  
• Public service perceptions in a rural Philippine community: alignment between local government unit personnel and residents to support Sustainable Development Goals  
  by Jed Henry S. Lacorte 
  Abstract: Effective public service delivery is essential for local governance, shaping community well-being, trust, and civic engagement. This study examined public service perceptions among 30 local government unit personnel and 170 rural residents of a community in Iloilo, Philippines, using a cross-sectional survey design. Participants completed validated four-point Likert questionnaires measuring community and social services, personal dedication and work ethics, and infrastructure and development services. Means and standard deviations classified perception levels, while independent samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests evaluated group differences. Results show high overall perceptions among personnel (M = 3.67) and residents (M = 3.32), with community and social services consistently rated high and no significant differences (t = 6.76, p < 0.001). Perceptual gaps in personal dedication and work ethics (t = 10.96, p < 0.001) and infrastructure and development services (t = 4.80, p < 0.001), indicate that internal efforts and technical processes are less visible to residents. Findings are limited by the single-community focus, cross-sectional design, and survey-based approach. Future studies should include multiple communities, longitudinal designs, and mixed methods for generalisability and insights. Strengthening transparency, participatory engagement, and staff capacity is recommended to reduce perceptual gaps, enhance trust, and improve service delivery.
  Keywords: public service perception; local government unit; rural communities; citizen-government alignment; sustainable development goals; Philippines.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10078337
   
  
• Analysing the interplay between public administration structures and artificial intelligence-driven governance in the Global South: insight from Ghana  
  by Anthony Acquah 
  Abstract: AI is enabling a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive public administration, where policies are shaped to meet the needs of citizens in real-time. For countries in the Global South, integration of AI in public administration architecture presents both opportunities and challenges. The purpose of the study was to explore how public administration structures shape, constrain or enable implementation of AI-driven governance in Ghana. The study was designed as qualitative research and purposive sampling technique used to select key stakeholders in public administration as follows: Ministry for Public Sector Reform, National Information and Technology Agency, Ministry of Communications and Digitization, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Academia, and citizens. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. The study reveals that Weberian administrative principles and legacy systems create path dependencies that suppress creativity, cooperation, and participatory governance which are integral to the successful implementation of AI-driven governance.
  Keywords: public administration; artificial intelligence; AI-driven governance; neo institutional theory; Ghana.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10078414
   
  
• From systemic trap to strategic tool: a theoretical synthesis on positive feedback loops in public administration  
  by Konstantinos Grigoriadis, Georgios Poutouridis 
  Abstract: The public administration literature presents a theoretical dualism regarding positive feedback loops, viewing them as either quasi-deterministic traps (e.g., path dependence) or malleable strategic tools. To address this unresolved tension, this article conducts a systematic literature review of 98 studies. We propose systemic feedback literacy, a new conceptual framework defining the administrative capability to recognise, diagnose, and intervene in feedback dynamics. The development of this capability determines whether public organisations are passively subjected to these loops or can actively leverage them. The framework thus offers a theoretical resolution to the prevailing dichotomy, establishing the conceptual groundwork for transforming feedback loops from systemic traps into powerful strategic tools.
  Keywords: positive feedback loops; public administration; path dependence; systemic feedback literacy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10078891
   
  
• Self-esteem and job satisfaction among university academics: a comparative study of public and private institutions  
  by Zebide Ibraimi 
  Abstract: Work plays a crucial role in individuals lives, fulfilling both social and psychological needs. The present study examines the relationship between self-esteem and job satisfaction among academic staff working in public and private universities in Tetovo, North Macedonia. The study included 300 academic staff members, with 150 participants from a public university (University of Tetovo) and 150 from a private university (South East European University). Participants completed the Rosenberg self-esteem scale and the job satisfaction survey (JSS) to assess different aspects of professional well-being. Results indicated moderate to high levels of self-esteem and overall high job satisfaction among academics in both institutional contexts. Comparative analyses revealed statistically significant differences between academic staff employed in public and private universities (p < 0.01). Correlation and chi-square analyses further demonstrated a significant association between institutional type, self-esteem, and job satisfaction. These findings highlight the important role of organisational culture, institutional support, and management practices in shaping academic staffs professional satisfaction and psychological well-being, suggesting that supportive institutional environments can enhance academic well-being and institutional effectiveness in higher education.
  Keywords: self-esteem; job satisfaction; university academics; public and private institutions.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10078945
   
  
• Generative artificial intelligence tools usage and employee productivity in the Ghanaian public sector: the interactive role of prompt engineering  
  by Osman Light, Evelyn Lamisi Asuah, Gregory Kaku, Agyapong Daniel 
  Abstract: The relevance of generative artificial intelligence tools usage and prompt engineering has not been fully appreciated in the public sector of Ghana. Due to this, the paper investigated the role of prompt engineering in the relationship between generative artificial intelligence tools usage and employee productivity in Ghana. Data was collected from 787 public officers. Analysis was done using structural equation modelling and the importance-performance map analysis. This study concludes that the productivity benefits of generative AI in the public sector are not realised through mere access to or use of AI tools, whether for content generation or for business automation. Instead, employee productivity gains depend critically on employees capability to interact effectively with generative AI systems, particularly through prompt engineering. The findings extend both task-technology fit (TTF) theory and human-computer interaction (HCI) theories by demonstrating that task-technology fit must be complemented by interaction competence to realise productivity gains.
  Keywords: generative artificial intelligence usage; employee productivity; prompt engineering; Ghana.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10079129
   
  
• The role of university climate initiatives in shaping municipal sustainability practices: the case of Tetovo  
  by Albinota Nuredini, Vlera Ismaili, Fortesa Asani, Veli Kreci, Nebi Xhemali 
  Abstract: This study examines the role of university-led climate initiatives in promoting sustainable urban transformation through the case of South East European Universitys (SEEU) Climate Action Plan (CAP 2.0) in Tetovo, North Macedonia, one of Europes most polluted cities. Using the triple helix model of university-industry-government collaboration, the research explores how knowledge exchange and technological innovation can address environmental challenges at institutional and municipal levels. Following standardised methodologies aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (WRI/WBCSD, 2004) and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2023), SEEU achieved an 80% reduction in carbon emissions between 2008 and 2024. Major improvements resulted from energy efficiency measures and renewable energy integration, while indirect emissions (scope 3) remained a challenge. The findings highlight the importance of data-driven governance and stakeholder collaboration in effective climate mitigation. The paper argues that embedding academic climate strategies in Smart City frameworks can enhance governance, citizen engagement, and sustainable urban development in North Macedonia.
  Keywords: smart cities; triple helix model; air pollution; North Macedonia; climate action plan; CAP.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10079164
   
  
• Human resource development, innovation, and change management success: insight for Malaysia’s public service performance and agility  
  by Nurahmadiana Mohd Taib, Juraifa Jais 
  Abstract: Public sector organisations face persistent challenges in implementing effective change initiatives. Despite substantial government investment, public services still struggle to adopt new practices, achieving only modest improvements in performance and service delivery. This study proposes a conceptual framework to address the limited understanding of the antecedents of change management (CM) success in Malaysias public service. It explores the untapped potential of human resource development (HRD) practices to foster agility and support sustainable performance improvement. Guided by Lewins 3-step model, the framework explains the relationship between HRD practices and organisations ability to implement CM, emphasising the mediating role of perceived innovation attributes. Expert input from public service refined the proposed model, and a pilot study confirmed high reliability (Cronbachs = 0.700.90). The findings are interpreted as preliminary evidence, providing a foundation for empirical validation and offering indicative insights for scholars and policymakers seeking to strengthen public sector performance.
  Keywords: hange management; human resource development; public service; organisational agility; diffusion of innovation; Malaysia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10079781
   
  
• A comparative assessment of service quality in public and private healthcare among older adults in Kerala, India using the SERVQUAL model  
  by Amiya Abdul Khadar, Pooja Kansra 
  Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comparative assessment of service quality in public and private healthcare among older adults in India. The data was collected from Kerala, India using a structured questionnaire and a multi-stage stratified random sample of 420 individuals. The study applies five dimensions-the SERVQUAL model (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) to measure the gap between older adults perception and expectation regarding public and private healthcare service quality. The SERVQUAL analysis indicated that public hospitals suffer from major service quality gaps, particularly in assurance, responsiveness, and empathy, reflecting inadequate staff attentiveness, delayed services, and limited personalised care. Private hospitals perform better in tangibility and responsiveness, mainly due to better infrastructure and faster services. The largest service quality gap was observed in nurses attentiveness (1.63), timely services (1.00) and promised services (0.99, representing critical areas that require immediate attention. The paper is one of the few studies conducted that compared and assessed the service quality of public and private hospitals among older adults in Kerala, India. This study also provides empirical evidence that the SERVQUAL model can be a reliable instrument to measure the healthcare service quality in India.
  Keywords: SERVQUAL; service quality; healthcare; older adults; public and private healthcare.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10079808
   
  
• Service satisfaction and awareness in public municipal services in India  
  by Pulkit Holani, Sneha Kumari 
  Abstract: Indias municipalities gained importance for the services provided to the citizens. The study aims to find the level of municipal awareness among citizens, with the help of primary data analysis, and to find the linkage between municipal awareness and consumer satisfaction. Developed countries have a strong linkage between municipal awareness and customer satisfaction. The linkage shows different patterns in developing countries. Primary surveys have been carried out to understand the situation in the four cities of India, namely, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. Analysis shows a significant positive relationship between municipal awareness and service satisfaction level. The study will help the city bodies understand measures for better service delivery to the citizens. This study also tries to assess the quality of the service provided by municipalities, followed by recommendations.
  Keywords: municipal awareness; inclusiveness; municipal corporation; service satisfaction; public; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10080389
   
  
• Training public administration into Industry 5.0 through a human-centric approach: a narrative review  
  by Maria Virginia Sirolli, Eleonora Cova, Andrea Rocchi 
  Abstract: This paper explores the integration of the Industry 5.0 model within the public administration, emphasising its human-centric pillar, while acknowledging the models other dimensions of resilience and sustainability. By conducting a narrative review of policy frameworks, this research uncovers how strategic efforts in upskilling, reskilling, and fostering innovation are reshaping the capabilities of public sector employees. The findings demonstrate that aligning public administration practices with Industry 5.0 principles not only enhances workforce performance but also addresses broader challenges related to digital transformation and adaptability, paving the way for a more efficient and human-centred public sector.
  Keywords: public administration; Industry 5.0; human-centric approach; digital skills; digital transformation; European Union; training; narrative review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10080436
   
  
• Emerging human resource development practices in the Ghanaian public sector organisations  
  by Samuel Howard Quartey 
  Abstract: This study explores emerging human resource development (HRD) practices in public sector organisations (PSOs) in Ghana. Using a phenomenological approach, 18 human resource (HR) practitioners were purposively selected from diverse PSOs. The data was gathered using in-depth interviews. The experiences of these HR practitioners were organised and thematically analysed. The thematic analysis revealed two major themes, three major sub-themes and 11 major codes connecting these themes and sub-themes to explain the emerging HRD practices in PSOs. The findings show that new forms of HRD practices are being practiced in the PSOs. These new forms of HRD practices were derived from an interactive influence of key drivers and enablers which worked together to produce new forms of HRD practices. Based on the findings, HR practitioners in PSOs should invest in technology-mediated HRD practices. Policymakers in PSOs should reform business and administrative structures and policies to include these emerging HRD practices.
  Keywords: human resource development; HRD; HR practitioners; public sector organisations; PSOs; Ghana.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2024.10067043
   
  
• Exploring the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being in Southern Chin State, Myanmar  
  by Lucia Yaw Laing, Sandeep Poddar, Leo Paul Dana 
  Abstract: In our consumer-driven world, the significance of ecosystems extends beyond their ecological value. The importance of this study lies as it examines how ecosystems affect indigenous people, especially those with specific issues. Descriptive survey methodologies are used in this quantitative investigation. Google forms surveys collect data, and structural equation modelling (SEM) utilising SMARTPLS-4 and SPSS version 28 analysed the data to reveal complex research links. Provisional services (fresh water, natural resources) and cultural services (spiritual and aesthetic advantages) greatly affect indigenous well-being, according to preliminary results. Regulating services are not significant, suggesting ecological imbalances caused by external factors including air pollution, water contamination, and climate change. This research highlights the importance of ecosystem conservation and management in indigenous well-being, underlining the complex issues these people confront in a fast changing world and the mechanisms and contextual elements that create these interactions.
  Keywords: provisional services; cultural services; regulating services; ecosystem; indigenous well-being; Myanmar; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2024.10067914
   
  
• Tracing the development of publicness in public administration: a systematic literature review  
  by Mujibur Rahman Khairul Muluk, Sajida Sajida, Gina De Nisa, Shinta Fatimah Durrety 
  Abstract: This paper discusses the evolution of the concept of publicness within the academic framework of public administration, attempts to define its core constituent elements, and discusses the evolution of historical and current scholarship on this subject. Based on a systematic review of 159 papers from the Scopus database, the analysis indicates that publicness evolved in a complex way and influenced governance, transparency, participation in civil society, and the delivery of public services. The findings shed light on the centrality of publicness in determining these aspects, and provide a critical source for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in learning about its evolving dynamics in public administration.
  Keywords: publicness; public value; governance; systematic literature review; SLR.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2024.10067759
   
  
• Workload and cutting corners: the effect of work and family conflicts, generation, and gender in the Iranian public sector  
  by Ghasem Eslami, Alireza Khorakian, Afsaneh Yousefpour, Atefeh Sodeiri Javadi, Marzieyh Adibzadeh, Leila Kharazmi 
  Abstract: This research leverages the conservation of resources theory to explore how workload influences the propensity to cut corners within Iran's public sector, examining work-family and family-work conflicts as mediators, with generational differences acting as moderators. Utilising structural equation modelling to analyse survey responses from employees and supervisors, the study indicates that excessive workload and high employer demands may drive individuals to cut corners to manage work-related stress and lessen psychological distress. It specifically underscores the significance of work-family conflict for younger employees and women in fostering ethical workplace behaviour. The findings underscore the necessity for public sector organisations to implement interventions focusing on work-life balance and resolving work-family conflicts, thereby promoting ethical behaviour and enhancing organisational performance.
  Keywords: cutting corners; workload; work-family conflicts; WFC; family-work conflicts; FWC; generation; gender; public sector; employees; supervisors.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2024.10072848
   
  
• Measuring engagement in Moroccan public establishments: empirical analysis on Facebook using machine learning K-means clustering  
  by Hamza Chekkour, Mohammed Ben Amar 
  Abstract: This study addresses the lack of research on public engagement via social media in the Moroccan context, and aims to evaluate and compare the level of engagement of eleven public establishments through their official Facebook pages, as well as to assess the influence of the content type (rational or emotional) on engagement with these establishments. All the data from 440 posts were analysed using Python and a series of machine learning techniques. In particular, the K-means algorithm was used to group public establishments based on two engagement metrics divided into four categories: ghost, chatterbox, leader and engager. The results of this research show a positive correlation between engagement and rational content, and on the other hand, a negative correlation was found with emotional content. In addition, they clearly show that the level of public engagement for the establishments selected is still low. This study enriches the literature on public engagement through social media by focusing on the unique Moroccan context and utilising machine learning methods in this type of research. The findings offer valuable insights for managers of public establishments, helping them understand how different content types influence public engagement and providing a foundation for refining their social media strategies.
  Keywords: social media; public engagement; Moroccan public establishments; content type; K-means; machine learning methods.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2024.10068680
   
  
• Performance of a designated organisation in the cultural diversity regions: a case study of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre  
  by Sakda Kajornbun, Bussabong Chaijaroenwatana, Hasan Akrim Dongnadeng, Areeluk Poonsub 
  Abstract: The southern border provinces of Thailand harbour rich cultural diversity and a history marked by conflicts and ongoing violence. To address these challenges, the government has established the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC), focusing on six key areas: economic, social, human resource development, public administration, development for security, and fostering understanding; security enhancement; and fostering understanding. The research aims to: 1) evaluate the performance of the SBPAC and those of their collaborating agencies; 2) survey public expectations of development performance and recommendations for managing performance outcomes. Utilising a mixed-methods approach involves a survey of 2,104 local residents and six focused group stakeholder's interviews. Findings reveal significant progress in social development but minimal efforts in security, notably in combating drug abuse. These findings align with public expectations. Recommendations for performance management emphasise listening to public opinion, public participation, and creating a peaceful image for the region.
  Keywords: designated organisation; cultural diversity; performance management; Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre; SBPAC; public sector.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10079780
   
  
• Let us improve e-government and human capital index to eradicate the corruption!  
  by Sofia Dewi, Rindu Rika Gamayuni, Fajar Gustiawaty Dewi 
  Abstract: This study used a compilation of panel data from 41 developed countries and 121 developing countries from 2003-2022 to explore the influences of e-government and human capital on control of corruption. Data from EDGI, HCI, and CCI are used to assess the state of e-government, human capital and corruption. To estimate the research model, we conducted the Hausman and Chow test to evaluate the estimation of the fixed and the random effect model. It found that human capital and e-government have an effect on control of corruption but only in developed countries, not in developing countries. While in a developing countries have no positives significant impact on the control of corruption. It means that the e-government and human capital can eradicate the corruption, but depends on the maturity of the countries.
  Keywords: e-government; human capital; corruption.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2025.10070480