Intergovernmental Mediation : a Technique for Successful Local Government Partnerships

<p><em>Problem</em>. Statement Local government officials are faced with ever-increasing citizens' demands and unfunded Federal and State mandates while competing with neighboring governments for dwindling federal and state monies. Both of these tend to fuel intergovernmental conflicts. Research is necessary, therefore, to determine the most effective ways of addressing the alarming rate at which intergovernmental conflict is occurring in order to meet the needs of local government officials.</p> <p><em>Methodology.</em> This study examined the relationship between local government organizations in terms of intergovernmental mediation, conflict resolution, and the sharing of revenues and resources. Data were collected from county commissioners in Ohio, township trustees, appointed local government officials, and citizens at large.</p> <p><em>Conclusion</em>. Too few local governments employ intergovernmental mediation as a method to address conflict and intergovernmental disputes. Only 32% of those surveyed had any experience with intergovernmental mediation. In addition, many of the local government officials who employed mediation were not using a neutral third party. In examining Defiance County government’s intergovernmental mediation practices, it was discovered that intergovernmental mediation does help to reduce the potential of intergovernmental conflict In addition, there was a positive relationship between intergovernmental conflict mediation and timely solutions at a relatively low cost.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Leadership PhD

Year

2001

Author dc:creator

• Wiseman, W. Thomas

Contributors dc:contributor

• Elsie P. Jackson
• Steven O. Ludd
• James A. Tucker

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Law
• Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/1552

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.andrews.edu:dissertations-2551