Journal Title/Source
Journal of Public Affairs
Publication Date
1-2016
Volume
2
Issue (if applicable)
2
Page Numbers
197–222
DOI (if applicable)
10.1002/pa.1597
Document Type
Journal Article
Department
Political Science and Public Administration
Abstract
In this article, we use data collected from municipal council members and department heads in Michigan municipalities with over 10 000 residents to determine how, and why, they view the quality of their interactions with one another. Building theories of small group dynamics and political control of bureaucracy, we test several hypotheses and conclude that council members and department heads hold divergent views of their interactions with one another and that their views are determined by government form and community characteristics. We conclude with simple steps that local government officials and administrators can take to improve their small group dynamics and governing performance.
Recommended Citation
Cherry, Brian; Ihrke, Douglas; Ford, Mike; and Grasse, Nate, "Perceptions of council member– department head interactions in local government" (2016). Journal Articles. 267.
https://commons.nmu.edu/facwork_journalarticles/267