Linking local collaborative governance and public service delivery: mediating role of institutional capacity building

This study investigates the relationship between local collaborative governance (LCG) and public service delivery (PSD) within the context of Pakistan. Traditional public administration models have been challenged by the rise of collaborative governance, which emphasizes multi-stakeholder engagement to improve service delivery. LCG is particularly relevant in developing nations like Pakistan, where local governments often lack the capacity to effectively provide basic services such as energy, water, sanitation, roads, health, education, and infrastructure. This research addresses the gap in existing literature by empirically examining the direct effects of LCG on PSD and ICB, and also exploring the mediating effect of ICB on the LCG-PSD relationship. The study utilizes Collaborative Governance Theory (CGT) as its theoretical framework, positing that effective LCG depends heavily on the institutional capacity of local authorities to successfully devolve power and responsibility. The research questions focus on the relationships between LCG and PSD, LCG and ICB, and how ICB mediates the relationship between LCG and PSD.

The literature review explores existing research on collaborative governance, its application in various contexts, and its impact on public service delivery. Studies examining public-private partnerships and collaborative efforts in developed countries (China, USA, UK, Canada) are referenced. The review also highlights challenges in developing countries, where capacity limitations, credibility issues, and the politicization of regulation often hinder effective public service delivery. The researchers acknowledge that while previous studies explored the links between collaborative governance and various local-level outcomes, the specific relationship between LCG, ICB, and PSD in a multi-sector organization context remained under-researched. The review identifies a gap in the empirical evidence connecting these three variables, setting the stage for the current study's contribution to the field.

This study employed a quantitative research design, utilizing a survey questionnaire to collect data from 223 multi-sector organizations (MSOs) in southern Pakistan. The sample included employees from the public sector, private organizations, NGOs, and corporations. A total of 844 questionnaires were distributed, with 457 usable responses after accounting for incomplete or missing data. The questionnaire used a 5-point Likert scale to measure the key constructs: LCG (9 items), ICB (22 items encompassing service, evaluative, and M&O capacities), and PSD (8 items measuring responsiveness, tangibles, and reliability). Data analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0. This technique was chosen for its suitability for exploratory research and its ability to handle complex models with multiple latent variables. The analysis included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity and reliability of the measures, followed by path analysis to examine the direct and indirect effects of the variables. Demographic variables (gender, age, education, sector, experience) served as control variables.

The results demonstrate significant positive relationships between LCG and PSD, LCG and ICB, and ICB and PSD. Specifically: LCG was significantly and positively associated with all three dimensions of PSD (responsiveness, tangibles, reliability). LCG also significantly and positively predicted all three dimensions of ICB (service capacity, evaluative capacity, M&O capacity). ICB, in turn, significantly and positively predicted all three dimensions of PSD. Mediation analysis revealed that ICB partially mediated the relationship between LCG and each dimension of PSD. The R-squared values for ICB and PSD were 0.663 and 0.658, respectively, indicating that the model explained a substantial portion of the variance in these variables. The study validated all nine hypotheses (H1-H9).

The findings support the study's central hypothesis that LCG positively influences PSD, and this effect is mediated by ICB. The results highlight the importance of institutional capacity building in facilitating the effectiveness of LCG initiatives. Strong ICB enables organizations to effectively collaborate, utilize resources, and deliver responsive, tangible, and reliable public services. The study confirms that strengthening institutional capacity is crucial for successful implementation of LCG, leading to improved public service delivery. This has significant implications for policy and practice in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of investing in institutional development alongside collaborative governance reforms.

This study contributes to the literature by empirically demonstrating the positive relationship between LCG, ICB, and PSD in a multi-sector organizational context in Pakistan. It underscores the importance of ICB as a mediator in the LCG-PSD relationship. Future research could explore other mediating factors, utilize multi-level analysis, and examine specific processes in public service delivery. The study's findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in developing countries seeking to improve public service delivery through collaborative governance initiatives. Strengthening ICB through capacity building interventions is critical for realizing the full potential of LCG.

Several limitations exist: The study did not cover all dimensions of PSD and ICB; a multi-level analysis could provide additional insights; the mediating effect of ICB was only partial; and the use of a larger, more diverse dataset could enhance the generalizability of the findings. Future research could address these limitations and examine contextual factors that may influence the relationships between LCG, ICB, and PSD.