Introduction
The lack of public participation has led to an increase in political challenges in many countries. Hong Kong has made significant steps in enhancing public participation in policymaking. During policymaking, the government collects public views on important issues before making decisions (Malek et al., 2021). Public participation in governance and decision-making has led to the growth of Hong Kong and many countries worldwide. For this reason, many countries consider public participation in governance and decision-making an essential aspect of ensuring the country’s economic growth. This paper will investigate the importance of public engagement in governance and decision-making. The research question for this paper is: What is the importance of public engagement in governance and decision-making? The paper will focus on a single case study of Hong Kong to investigate the topic. The paper will have an introduction, literature review, evidence, analysis, and conclusion.
Literature review
Previous literature has explored the topic of public participation in governance and decision-making and identified its significance. According to Tsang et al., [[[]] public participation is essential during the process of policy development and implementation. On the other hand, Malek et al. (2021) describe the challenges facing the process of public participation in decision-making. The issues like lack of access to information by the public and political division among citizens have been discussed by Malek et al. Finally, Pierce & Osei-Kojo, (2022) in their work, assert that engaging the public in governance and decision-making will enhance accountability and government responsiveness. Other scholars argue that increased public participation leads to good governance and decision-making. Generally, the literature suggests that public participation has been essential in governance and decision-making in Hong Kong.
The use of the Advocacy Coalition Framework
The Advocacy Coalition Framework is a theoretical approach in which the effects of policy changes in an organization are defined. According to the theory, interested parties in policy formation contribute to policy changes by having different opinions. For this reason, the theory is helpful in policy making process in several areas of governance (Akingbola et al., 2022). The framework also examines how organizational stakeholders interact regarding governance and decision-making. The theory asserts that belief systems, resource accumulation, and policy-oriented learning cause policy changes.
Public participation sometimes involves policy-oriented learning. Policy-oriented learning is how decision-makers and stakeholders learn new information about a problem (Akingbola et al., 2022). There are surveys of general opinion, academic research, and interviews with influential figures on policy-oriented. In most cases, the perspectives of decision-makers and other stakeholders in the decision-making process change due to discoveries. The process of decision-making and implementation involves resource mobilization. During decision-making, policymakers and other stakeholders assemble resources such as money, knowledge, and political support to advance their political goals (Akingbola et al., 2022). These resources help them to make a significant impact on policy changes.
Another factor affecting the policymaking process is a belief system. A belief system is made up of beliefs that a group shares. Different groups of people may interpret the law differently due to differences in factors like ideology, religion, society, and others, which may impact how different communities interpret the law (Akingbola et al., 2022). Certain groups may focus more on economic growth, while others focus on environmental protection. The ACF asserts a greater possibility of a change in pertinent policies when the dominant coalition changes (Akingbola et al., 2022). Changes in any of the three variables mentioned above and external influences like the political environment and public opinion might impact this shift.
The Advocacy Coalition Framework contends that the public’s involvement can significantly influence the outcomes of policy decisions in governance and decision-making. Public members can impact politicians’ ideas and objectives by combining their resources and exchanging new knowledge and opinions (Olsen & Feeney, 2022). This opens the door to changes in policy. However, the Advocacy Coalition Framework does admit that not all stakeholders have an equal impact on the results of final policies. They might be more advantageous in creating policies if they have greater resources or connections to legislators. This might make public involvement less effective, especially for marginalized groups.
The structure of the advocacy coalitions, when viewed as a whole, aids in illuminating the intricate web of connections between those involved in creating public policy (Olsen & Feeney, 2022). By focusing on the roles of policy-oriented learning, resource mobilization, and belief systems, the framework can help policymakers and other stakeholders identify the factors most likely to affect policy outcomes and develop strategies for working with various stakeholders to promote transparency, fairness, and good decision-making.
Application of group theory
The field of group dynamics sheds light on the factors that contribute to and facilitate productive teamwork. Group theory’s explanation of the interplay and influence of diverse stakeholder groups aids public engagement in governance and decision-making (Chong et al., 2020). Within public participation, interest groups coexist with public interest organizations. Organizations fighting for business interests, environmental protection, and worker rights often collaborate on common goals—advocates for the public good work to pass legislation that benefits the most significant possible population.
Strong political or business interest groups can sway the decision-making process and government administration. They can advise legislators and advocate for changes that would better the lives of the people they represent (Chong et al., 2020). However, this could cause them to make decisions not in the public’s best interest but rather their own. Public interest groups can reduce the power of special interests by lobbying for laws that benefit the public. Those who have been overlooked in the governing process can finally have their voices heard, thanks to public interest groups (Chong et al., 2020). They can also ensure that everyone is heard when the policy is being decided.
Public engagement in government and decision-making relies heavily on how individuals act and interact in groups. Group size, cohesion, leadership, and power relations are postulated to impact behavior significantly. The size of the group participating affects the effect of public engagement on policy results. Larger organizations can significantly impact policy results but are more challenging to manage and organize. Smaller groups may be more adept at organizing their actions, but this does not guarantee they have any sway over policy decisions.
The common values and goals a group shares determine their unity. Cohesive groups have the advantage of passing laws favorable to their members. However, the groups may be challenged in being open to new ideas and engaging their members in providing support. In these groups, leaders can change an organization by enhancing the morale of the employees, fostering consensus, and establishing priorities. Strong leadership makes it easier to accomplish group goals and impact policy decisions.
Group dynamics, including power dynamics, can affect members’ actions and choices. There is a danger that powerful interest groups, such as those run by a small group of elites, may put their own needs before those of the general population (Chong et al., 2020). To guarantee fair and inclusive policy outcomes for all members of society, however, organizations with a more even allocation of power are preferable. Group theory’s key ideas include compromise between competing interests and open, inclusive decision-making. Public involvement must welcome and encourage participation from all interested parties, not just the loudest or most visible voices, for it to be effective.
Evidence
Given the current political and social turbulence in Hong Kong, the significance of citizen involvement in governmental affairs and decision-making procedures has escalated. Several researchers highlight the importance of civic engagement in the governance and decision-making mechanisms of Hong Kong. In 2019, Hong Kong experienced a series of protests in response to a proposed bill that sought to enable the extradition of offenders to the Chinese mainland (Malek et al., 2021). The proposed law incited widespread public demonstrations for several months, with many individuals expressing displeasure. The measure was repealed in September 2019 due to public pressure, despite the initial opposition from the government.
The Hong Kong demonstrations garnered attention for attracting a substantial proportion of the general populace. The organizers of protests have discovered that platforms such as Telegram and LIHKG are highly effective for coordinating activities and disseminating news. The widespread availability of social media and other online platforms facilitated increased participation in protests by many individuals. This phenomenon was particularly evident among individuals from the younger demographic cohort who may have previously lacked involvement in political affairs.
The events in Hong Kong have underscored the importance of public sentiment in shaping policy implementation. After the demonstrations, the Hong Kong administration assembled a group of specialists to scrutinize the municipality’s transfer protocols and proffer suggestions for enhancement. The final recommendations were formulated after accounting for over 20,000 public comments (Malek et al., 2021). Hong Kong has passed effective environmental policies through public participation in the governance and decision-making process. The policies have solved some of the environmental concerns of Hong Kong, like air pollution, conservation of national resources, and waste management.
The government made several legislative policies to solve the environmental challenges facing Hong Kong. One of these policies is a plan for managing air quality, in which public participation was a key step in achieving the goal of this policy. When formulating the policy, Stakeholders, including members of the public, environmental advocacy organizations, and corporate executives, were all engaged. The initiative of Lantau Tomorrow Vision serves as an illustration of the significance of involving citizens in the formulation of environmental policies. The proposed infrastructure undertaking entails recreating extensive oceanic territories off the coast of Hong Kong. The project has elicited significant public discourse and resistance, primarily from concerns regarding potential environmental impacts and financial implications.
The government wanted feedback from relevant stakeholders to develop an effective policy. For this reason, their government developed a public consultation process where members of the public were allowed to give their views on the suggested policy. Throughout the consultation process, the perspectives of over 20,000 individuals were gathered. The involvement of the public in this policymaking process enhanced the formation of effective policies and influenced the accountability and openness of the Hong Kong government (Malek et al., 2021). The critical considerations include assessing policymakers’ ability to receive and evaluate public feedback, the availability of tools and platforms that facilitate participation, and the inclusivity and diversity of the participation process.
The presence of violence and political instability in Hong Kong demonstrates the obstacles and constraints that public involvement can encounter. The employment of social media and other internet technologies may lead to increased participation of individuals; however, this may also result in the dissemination of misinformation and the proliferation of extremist viewpoints. The available data from Hong Kong indicate that the involvement of citizens in governmental affairs is a viable approach to enhance transparency, accessibility, and the caliber of policymaking determinations. Participation rates are subject to the influence of various factors.
Analysis and discussion
Public participation in policymaking and administration is more critical in today’s complex governance environment. The Advocacy Coalition Framework and the Group Theory were two theoretical and conceptual frameworks used in this investigation. The case of Hong Kong shows that public input is necessary to provide democratic legitimacy, transparency, and accountability in governance and decision-making.
The Role of Interest Groups and Public Interest Groups in Public Participation
Figure 1: Online contact between public interest group members and non-members
People in interest groups contribute more to the decision-making process than those not members in interest groups. This is because the individuals in interest groups have a higher possibility of online contact than those who are not members. The graph above shows the difference between those in public interest groups and those not members in terms of online contact. In Hong Kong, public and special interest groups are crucial in politics and policymaking. These organizations can be found in any field, like business and labor industry. The groups are responsible for advocating for their members’ interests (Ford, 2023). On the other hand, public interest groups advocate for the interests of all people in a state or region.
Various interest groups have heavily influenced public policy in Hong Kong. Ford (2023) argues that these organizations have sway over the government because of the knowledge and experience they bring to the table. For instance, commercial lobbying groups might use their influence to push for laws that benefit their industry. Members of unions can better their economic standing and working conditions due to the union’s ability to bargain collectively on their behalf.
Public interest organizations have played an essential role in pushing forward socially beneficial legislation. According to Ford (2023), the groups have improved the lives of their members by advocating for environmental protection, consumer rights, and social justice. For instance, environmental groups in Hong Kong have worked hard to influence the passing of laws that protect the environment, such as those that aim to enhance the quality of the city’s air and water and to preserve its biodiversity.
The efforts of public-interest groups have bolstered the rule of law and Hong Kong’s civil society. According to Ford (2023), the groups have made strides in protecting fundamental civil and human rights and expanding opportunities for citizens to weigh in on important matters. They have held protests, public campaigns, and lobbying efforts to spread their messages. Interest and public interest groups do a lot to get people involved, but their impact is limited (Chong et al., 2020). One social group’s attempt to represent the interests of all stakeholders may fall short. Decisions that unfairly benefit some parties while neglecting others or fall short of satisfying everyone’s needs may be taken.
The Importance of Group Cohesion and Leadership in Public Participation
Figure 2: Percentage thriving by race, ethnicity, and age group
The Hong Kong society is made up of different races of people. From the graph above, some groups thrive more in Hong Kong than others. For instance, whites are thriving more than other racial groups. This is because the whites are more united than other groups in Hong Kong. Individuals cannot effectively participate in governance or decision-making without group cohesion and leadership. It is possible that more united groups can adopt laws that are favorable to their members, but they may also be less open to new ideas and viewpoints (Areia et al., 2023). A strong leader can help their team accomplish their goals and have more say in how those goals are implemented.
The insights supplied by the Group Theory are essential when dealing with big groups of people in the spotlight. The case study concluded that well-organized coalitions spearheaded by strong personalities had a significant role in the success of Hong Kong’s democratic reforms. There is a strong sense of unity and commitment to democracy among Hong Kong’s pro-democracy organizations (Areia et al., 2023). Their ability to work together has helped them plan their actions and win their supporters. The pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong has profited from this in addition to having strong leaders. Joshua Wong and Benny Tai, two prominent leaders in the fight for democracy, have led, motivated, and organized the campaign. These authoritative people have been essential in maintaining the movement’s dedication to its goals and helping it to adapt to new situations.
Balancing the Interests of Different Stakeholder Groups in Public Participation
Regarding public participation in Hong Kong’s governance and decision-making, finding a happy medium between competing interests is crucial (Pierce & Osei-Kojo, 2022). Successfully managing the tensions and ensuring that the resulting policies are fair and inclusive can be made possible by balancing different stakeholders’ interests. Hong Kong’s government and the general public have a good relationship that limits competing interests (Pierce & Osei-Kojo, 2022). Strangely, a Beijing-based panel chooses Hong Kong’s Chief Executive. As the people of Hong Kong have sought greater autonomy and democratic rights in recent years, this has led to tensions between the people and the government.
The government has instituted mechanisms to deal with these problems, aiming to ease the worries of everybody involved. Among these methods is seeking feedback from the general population. This approach ensures that people’s opinions and ideas are considered during policymaking (Pierce & Osei-Kojo, 2022). Many tools are available for eliciting public feedback, such as public hearings, consultations, advisory groups, and online input platforms. Public consultation aims to provide all interested parties a say in policy development and address any issues that may arise.
One way to satisfy many stakeholders is to employ negotiation and conflict resolution methods. The first step in settling a disagreement is pinpointing its origins and creating a workable solution that satisfies both parties (Pierce & Osei-Kojo, 2022). Finding a middle ground that works for everyone is crucial during negotiations. These methods can be helpful in conflict resolution because they promote policy outcomes that are fair and inclusive for all parties involved.
The proposed Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge illustrates the usefulness of public engagement in finding that effective spot between competing interests. Public participation played a significant role in connecting Hong Kong to the rest of mainland China. During this process, concerns were voiced over the project’s viability, cost, and potential influence on the surrounding community and the environment (Malek et al., 2021). To tackle these problems, the Hong Kong government created a strategy that sought and included the perspectives of as many people as possible. In this strategy, government agencies, businesses, environmentalists, community organizers, and ordinary citizens worked together to ensure the success of this project (Malek et al., 2021). The government held public hearings and consultations, and an advisory board was established so all stakeholders could have their say.
Participants found common ground and collaborated on solutions that accounted for the perspectives of various interested parties. According to Cheung (2021), the government is taking measures to protect the environment and its citizens from any potential harm caused by the project, such as keeping an eye on the air and water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lack of public participation has increased political challenges in many countries. The paper investigates the importance of public engagement in governance and decision-making. The Advocacy Coalition Framework contends that the public’s involvement can significantly influence the outcomes of policy decisions in governance and decision-making. Public members can impact politicians’ ideas and objectives by combining their resources and exchanging new knowledge and opinions. On the other hand, the field of group dynamics sheds light on the factors that contribute to and facilitate productive teamwork. Group theory’s explanation of the interplay and influence of diverse stakeholder groups aids public engagement in governance and decision-making.
References
Akingbola, K., Rogers, S. E., & Intindola, M. (2022). Volunteer Engagement. In Employee Engagement in Nonprofit Organizations: Theory and Practice (pp. 119–139). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Areia, N. P., Tavares, A. O., & Costa, P. J. (2023). Public perception and preferences for coastal risk management: Evidence from a convergent parallel mixed-methods study. Science of The Total Environment, 163440.
Chong, E. K., Sant, E., & Davies, I. (2020). Civic education guidelines in Hong Kong 1985–2012: Striving for normative stability in turbulent social and political contexts. Theory & Research in Social Education, 48(2), 285–306.
Ford, M. R. (2023). Special Interest Group Influence in School Districts: Exploring the Impact of Locale. Leadership and Policy in Schools, pp. 1–17.
Malek, J. A., Lim, S. B., & Yigitcanlar, T. (2021). Social Inclusion Indicators for Building Citizen-Centric Smart Cities: A Systematic Literature Review. Sustainability 2021, 13, 376.
Olsen, J., & Feeney, M. K. (2022). The Influence of Legal Mandates on Public Participation. The American Review of Public Administration, 52(7), 486–497.
Pierce, J. J., & Osei-Kojo, A. (2022). The advocacy coalition framework. In Handbook on theories of governance (pp. 353-364). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Appendices
Appendix 1: Online contact between public interest group members and non-members
Appendix 2: Percentage thriving by race, ethnicity, and age group
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