The determinants of population satisfaction from local authorities' activities: Evidence from Armenia

Abstract

This study aims to identify the determinants of satisfaction of the population from the activities of the local authorities in the Republic of Armenia (RA), as well as to assess the strength of the associations between variables. It examined the primary data collected from a nationally representative sample of 985 adults in RA in September 2018. Evidence‐based interpretation of the determinants of the population satisfaction from local government bodies' activities was’conducted using a multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model.The analysis shows that the determinants of the satisfaction of population from “Council of Elders” activity are satisfaction from community leaders’ activity, contact with local authorities within last 12 months, age, and education. Furthermore, the determinants of the satisfaction of population from community leaders’ activity are satisfaction from “Council of Elders” activity, competence about local taxes, age, and region. The research elaborates on the positive relationship between the “Council of Elders” activity and satisfaction from community leaders' activity. People dissatisfied with community “Council of Elders” activity mostly occur in older age ranges with a higher level of education. In addition, older people are prone to be dissatisfied with all local authorities' activities.By understanding the determinants of satisfaction, policymakers can adopt evidence‐based approaches to policymaking and local authorities can improve their performance by focusing on areas that matter most to the population. Further studies targeted at revealing new determinants and estimating the impact of community consolidation on satisfaction of the population may provide a sound ground for policy development.