Paradigm Shift in the Local Government Studies

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First, this research project questions the conventional view of the local government by presenting case studies in which municipalities have deliberately shrunk themselves. These municipalities attempt to maintain the quality of the residents' lives by diminishing the scope of administrative duties, and, ultimately, to provide "terminal care" of the local communities. These cases are to present alternative way of "local government." Second, by analyzing multiple municipalities in longer time frame, this project successfully describes the "dynamics of local government", which are filled with unintended consequences. Third, the outcome of this project has led our research focus to the diversity of public service provision systems. The dimensions of agenda setting and problem-solving in the field would mark our new research framework in the next phase.