Micro-municipal administration: a review and network-based framework

• Published in: The International journal of public sector management Vol. 38; no. 4; pp. 448 - 481
• Main Authors: Cristofaro, Matteo, Cucari, Nicola, Zannoni, Anastassia, Laviola, Francesco, Monda, Antonella, Liberato Lo Conte, Davide, Schilleci, Pinalba, Girma Haylemariam, Leul, Mare, Simona Margareta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 24.06.2025; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Collaboration; Frame analysis; Governance; Leadership; Literature reviews; Local government; Management; Networks; Public administration; Public sector; Systematic review; Urban studies; Governance; Public administration; Micro-municipality; Network; Systematic literature review
• ISSN: 0951-3558; 1758-6666; 1758-6666
• DOI: 10.1108/IJPSM-02-2024-0041

PurposeMicro-municipalities are a widespread form of local government worldwide. However, research into micro-municipalities is often fragmented across various disciplines (e.g. public management, urban studies, etc.), limiting our understanding of the diverse influences impacting micro-municipal administration. Here, we review the literature on micro-municipalities and investigate the network relationships affecting their administration.Design/methodology/approachWe performed a systematic literature review on micro-municipal administration. We adopted a network perspective for analysing the sample articles, which helps identify the multiple nodes that influence micro-municipalities’ administration, the drivers of relationships between the nodes, and the direction and flow of authority between these nodes.FindingsWe propose a network-based framework of micro-municipal administration that incorporates tailored interventions and support from higher government levels, adaptive stakeholder engagement, residents’ active participation, and responsive leadership.Originality/valueThis is the first systematic literature review of micro-municipalities and the first to propose a network-based framework for their effective governance.