Uster, Anna and Cohen, Nissim <br/><br/>
Local government’s response to dissatisfaction with centralized policies: The “do-it-yourself” approach 

 - International Review of Administrative Sciences  
 - 89(3), Sep, 2023: p.825-841 
<br/><br/> The literature on intergovernmental relationships discusses the tension between centralization and local autonomy. However, few studies question local authorities’ response when dissatisfied with central government policies. Using Hirschman's model of exit, voice and loyalty, we explore local government's response to such dissatisfaction. Specifically, we suggest that local authorities may adopt a “do-it-yourself” approach, unilaterally engaging in semi-legal strategies to improve outcomes. This solves immediate local organizational problems, without waiting for approval. Using the Israeli case, we show how a pervasive culture of “do-it-yourself” affects local governments’ responses. We also discuss implications for the relationship between the two bodies. – Reproduced <br/><br/>https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00208523221094414<br/>