PERFORMANCE IN IOWA COMMUNITIES University of Northern Iowa

Abstract

Putnam (1993) provides impressive evidence that the enduring geographic patterns of social capital in Italy influence regional government performance. His work has motivated other scholars to search for a link between social capital & performance among nations & other large subnational entities. The purpose of this study is to extend this line of research to the community level. To accomplish this a unique data set consisting of the opinions of approximately 100 people in each of 114 IA communities was collected. The analyses show a clear relationship: local governments are viewed as more responsive & effective in towns described as high in social capital by their citizens. Additional analyses reveal that social capital is also related to the upkeep of public streets & parks in the communities. Both of these relationships remain significant even after controlling for a variety of socioeconomic factors. 3 Tables, 1 Figure, 45 References. Adapted from the source document.

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