PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC COUNCILS IN KAZAKHSTAN: CULTURAL EXPLANATION

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on public councils (PC) of Kazakhstan, which are consultative-advisory bodies established in 2016 with the purpose to offer recommendations to state bodies. The research aims to answer the following research questions: how does social capital impact the effectiveness of regional PCs? How do grid and group environments impact PC effectiveness? What are the hindering and enabling factors of PC effectiveness? To that purpose, it applies two theoretical models: social capital thesis (Putnam, 1993) and grid-group cultural theory (Douglas, 1982). The research applies qualitative research methods, such as an explanatory multiple case study, focusing on four regional PCs in Kazakhstan: North-Kazakhstan, Qaragandy, Qyzylorda, and Atyrau oblasts (regions). To collect data, it employs a non-participant observation in PC meetings and the daily working routines of PCs. Moreover, the study applies in-depth semi-structured interviews (N=60) with PC members (who represent civil service, NGOs, trade unions, media, political parties, voluntary and social organizations) and external civil society representatives in each region. The full interview transcripts with PC members and civil society representatives are coded and analyzed using the NVIVO software program. Additionally, the study surveyed the PC members to measure social capital in four PCs. Furthermore, the research uses administrative documents such as annual reports by the Ministry of Information and Social Development of Kazakhstan on PC performance and socio-economic data retrieved from the National Bureau of Statistics of Kazakhstan. The findings suggest that social trust and cooperation norms positively impact PC effectiveness, however, networking does not. In addition, the group environment also explains why effective PCs outperform their counterparts, whereas the grid environment does not explain the PCs’ effectiveness. Finally, institutional factors such as the role of akimat (local executive body) and maslikhat (local representative body), PC Chairman, and available resources also contribute to PC effectiveness. These findings have both academic and practical relevance and implications. It fills the literature gap in studying the impact of social capital on institutional effectiveness in Central Asia and offers practical recommendations to policy-makers. It will be interesting for scholars who study institutions and political culture, and civil society engagement in local governance in the Central Asian context.