Strengthening Local Governance - An Exploratory Analysis of Connective Leadership in Local Government Organizations: Case study of Gujrat, Pakistan's Public Administrative Perspective.

Abstract

This paper responds to the global demand for leadership that transcends conventional hierarchies and encompasses collaboration inclusiveness and is adaptable. It investigates application of Lipman-Blumen’s (1996; 2017) connective leadership model in Pakistan’s local government organisation focusing on leadership behaviours of management. By using qualitative case study methodology and data obtained from 20 semi-structured interviews with top management and middle to lower level management in various sectors of LG. This study reveals that the Connective Leadership Model improves governance through public private partnerships, citizen collaboration, engaging with local NGO’s and other philanthropic initiatives. Public administrator’s effectively employed three achieving styles; Instrumental (emphasise on structure and accountability, Relational (cultivate trust and inclusion) and Direct (prioritize decisive actions for rapid problem solving). Balancing these styles helps public administrators to navigate the complexities of local governance, management achieve both short and long-term goals. The study contributes to leadership literature by descriptively demonstrating its role in promoting responsiveness, inclusiveness, and efficiency in multi sectoral governance hence, promotes community participation and stakeholder engagement. Study offers actionable strategies for policy makers to strengthen local governance systems through leadership that align with global best practices and address regional challenges. This study lays the foundation for a sustainable governance and initiate the debate for future research.

Keywords: Governance, Connective Leadership, Civic Engagement, Local Government, Pakistan, Public Sector Effectiveness, Stakeholder Collaboration, UN, Sustainable Development Goals, (SDG 16), Gujrat.

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/15-1-01

Publication date: January 30^th 2025