ASSOCIATIVE RELATIONS AS AN INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Authors

  • Rafael E. Valenzuela Mendoza Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez

Abstract

The aim of this article is to propose a framework for analysis to introduce the reader to the debate on public, private and social associative relations (RaPPS), proposed by the author as an instrument of change in public management. Based on the tendency of governments to act in a network, the RaPPS allow governments to enhance the relational capacities of their public administrations, in the provision of their services or even in some of the phases of the public policy process. In the article, it is tried to give some clues that characterize an associative relation, of a traditional public-private association. In exploring three municipal cases of associative relations, two in Mexico and one in Chile, the reader is drawn to the attributes that were identified in the three types of associative relations between government, civil society and business, in order to contribute inputs to their own reflection. The application of techniques of observation, interviews and documentary review allowed gathering evidence about the complexity in the functioning of associative relations and the barriers of sustainability that they face. It proposes the existence of three types of RaPPS: a) deliberative, b) corporate and c) participatory.

Keywords:

associative relations, citizen participation, deliberation, open government and corporation.