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4,946
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The purpose of this study is to find ways to enhance cooperation between administrative agencies and local councils. In so doing, we analyze seven cases, grouping them into four categories, with special attention to the factors causing conflict and cooperation.
Results show: a) cooperation between the two institutions is related to the level of information provision or to information sharing efforts; b) cooperation is also related to the level of trusts and beliefs between local councils and administrative agencies; c) efforts to compromise and negotiate in the policy process are found important in the many cases where conflicts have been resolved; and d) factors leading to cooperation are primarily personal or administrative ones. In contrast, the main reason for sustaining conflicts between the two entities is found to be a lack of mutual respect and understanding. Therefore, one important strategy to achieve cooperation for each party is to have an attitude of acceptance and cooperation, particularly when the conflict level is low. Also, there is evidence that both personal and institutional factors are found important in the cases where conflicts continue to exist.
