Analysis of Public Management in the Decentralized Autonomous Government of Quevedo
Keywords:
Public management, decentralization, citizen participationAbstract
This study analyzes public management in the Decentralized Autonomous Government (GAD) of Quevedo, Ecuador, using a mixed methodology (qualitative-quantitative). Key aspects such as efficiency, transparency, citizen participation and financial sustainability were evaluated. The results reveal significant progress, such as the implementation of the Development and Land Use Plan (PDOT) and improvements in road infrastructure (approved by 70% of respondents). However, critical challenges remain, as only 35% of citizens are aware of accountability mechanisms, and participation in social audits is low (30%). In addition, 65% of GAD depends on transfers from the central government, which limits its financial autonomy. The discussion highlights that these problems coincide with the literature on decentralization in Ecuador, where the lack of transparency, training of officials and effective participatory mechanisms weaken local governance. Key recommendations are proposed such as strengthening financial autonomy through local taxes and public-private partnerships; implementing digital platforms to improve transparency; and promoting binding citizen participation, such as participatory budgets. This study concludes that, although the GAD of Quevedo has made progress in strategic planning, its management requires structural reforms to be more efficient, transparent and inclusive. This study provides empirical evidence to rethink decentralization policies, emphasizing that the sustainability of local development depends on autonomous public management that is close to the citizens.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Alexandra Lusitania Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Jaime Estrada-Aguilar, Byron Oviedo-Bayas, Jixon Coello-Ponce

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