Authors :
DR. NAYAH GAZELLE ABANG
Volume/Issue :
Volume 7 - 2022, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
http://bitly.ws/gu88
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3GUOnCN
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6084284
Abstract :
Decentralization is generally aimed at devolving
central administrative authority to the local level. This
paper examines decentralization with emphasis on the
development of decentralized structures in Cameroon. We
adopted a case study approach focusing on the Buea
Council in the South West Region, so as to enable a clear
understanding of how decentralization affects local
development. The theoretical framework used was the
participatory model of development provided by Stöhr and
Taylor given the fact that it stresses on development from
below. The bureaucratic model by Max Weber was also
employed given that the study area is operating with a
bureaucratic model based on the principle of hierarchy of
authority.
We did a random sampling of thirty respondents who
were known to be workers of the Buea Council and a
questionnaire was used to sample their opinions that could
help answer our research questions. Beside questionnaires,
the researcher used already existing documents, which
provided a comprehensive literature for the study.
The findings of the study showed that; there is a high
level of job performance which positively affects local
development as sanctions and rewards are levied on
workers either for poor or good performance; there is a
high level of commitment to job at the Buea council, from
the Mayor to the staff.
We concluded that at the Buea council, necessary
measures have been put in place to equip the staff for an
efficient service delivery to the local population.
Keywords :
Decentralization, Local Development, Performance, Decentralized Structures.
Decentralization is generally aimed at devolving
central administrative authority to the local level. This
paper examines decentralization with emphasis on the
development of decentralized structures in Cameroon. We
adopted a case study approach focusing on the Buea
Council in the South West Region, so as to enable a clear
understanding of how decentralization affects local
development. The theoretical framework used was the
participatory model of development provided by Stöhr and
Taylor given the fact that it stresses on development from
below. The bureaucratic model by Max Weber was also
employed given that the study area is operating with a
bureaucratic model based on the principle of hierarchy of
authority.
We did a random sampling of thirty respondents who
were known to be workers of the Buea Council and a
questionnaire was used to sample their opinions that could
help answer our research questions. Beside questionnaires,
the researcher used already existing documents, which
provided a comprehensive literature for the study.
The findings of the study showed that; there is a high
level of job performance which positively affects local
development as sanctions and rewards are levied on
workers either for poor or good performance; there is a
high level of commitment to job at the Buea council, from
the Mayor to the staff.
We concluded that at the Buea council, necessary
measures have been put in place to equip the staff for an
efficient service delivery to the local population.
Keywords :
Decentralization, Local Development, Performance, Decentralized Structures.