| Abstract [eng] |
The public policy of the state is formed not only by individuals and political parties that manage it; it is also highly influenced by various interest groups. It is assumed that participation of various interest groups in the process of strategic management might enable the achievement of strategic goals set in a more efficient manner and gain support from these groups. Therefore, it is important to promote active participation of interest groups in all stages of strategic management. Participation of interest groups in the process of strategic management on a municipal level helps to highlight the most relevant problems and areas in the district and influence the solutions thereof. When analysing participation of interest groups in the strategic management process, it is important to focus on a specific municipality, because when implementing the Law on Local Self-Government of the Republic of Lithuania, municipalities must be able to ensure direct participation of its residents preparing and discussing solution projects and ensuring participation of interest groups in the process of strategic management. The main goal of interest groups is to influence the solutions adopted in a way that they are beneficial for the groups they represent. This project analyses the case of Raseiniai District Municipality; therefore, the research presented in it does not aim to analyse the situation on the overall level of Lithuanian municipalities. The novelty of research is based on the fact that research of this type has not been carried out neither in Raseiniai District, nor other Lithuanian municipalities. The research question: how/ in what ways do interest groups participate in the strategic management process? The object of research: participation of interest groups. The subject of research: participation of interest groups in the process of strategic management in Raseiniai District Municipality. The aim of the project is to determine the methods used by interest groups to participate in strategic management processes in Raseiniai District Municipality. Project objectives: 1) to analyse theoretical aspects of interest group participation in strategic management process; 2) analyse strategic and legal aspects of interest group participation in strategic management process in Lithuania; 3) analyse methods of participation in strategic management processes in Raseiniai District Municipality, employed by interest groups. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature and legislation, semi-structured interview; for data analysis, qualitative content analysis is used. The first part of the project analyses the notion of interest groups and the importance thereof in the public governance, then the notion of strategic management, its main principles and stages; it also analyses the methods employed by interest groups in strategic management process. The second part of the project analyses the beginning of strategic management in Lithuania, surveys the main legislation regulating methods for interest groups to participate in strategic management on the municipal level. The third part of the project introduces research methodology used to analyse interest group participation in Raseiniai District Municipality strategic management process, defines the aim of the research and provides analysis of research results. Research results have revealed that the main methods for interest groups to participate in strategic management process include submission of written proposals and participation in face-to-face meetings; a frequent case is participation via programme coordinators. Interest groups do not take advantage of methods of strategic management process fully, as evidenced by low interest in the initial information submitted, insufficient participation of interest groups in work groups or committees, low participation in surveys, general meetings or discussions. Research results will allow the Strategic Planning and Project Management Division of Raseiniai District Municipality to ensure more active participation of interest groups in strategic management process, take into consideration various means to encourage interest groups and challenges they face participating in strategic management process on the municipal level. |
