Traditionally, the problem of determining the optimal size in local government has been empirically assessed by estimating the relationship between population size and the costs of services (usually measured in terms of per capita expenditure). These studies, however, have proved largely inconclusive. In comparison, an empirical analysis based on the relationship between the size of government and community satisfaction offers a potentially fruitful contribution to the debate regarding the optimal size of local government. However, to date, few studies have followed this approach. We therefore contribute to this literature by exploring the relationship between population size and community satisfaction for Victorian councils. Our findings provide evidence of an inverted ‘U-shaped’ relationship, which predicts low community satisfaction at very large and very small population sizes.
Journal article
Can't get no satisfaction? The association between community satisfaction and population size for Victoria
Australian Journal of Public Administration, Vol.75(1), pp.65-77
2016
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Abstract
Details
- Title
- Can't get no satisfaction? The association between community satisfaction and population size for Victoria
- Creators
- Joseph Drew - University of New EnglandBrian Dollery - University of New EnglandMichael A Kortt - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Australian Journal of Public Administration, Vol.75(1), pp.65-77
- Identifiers
- 1633; 991012822186502368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts; School of Business and Tourism; Management
- Resource Type
- Journal article