Suchergebnisse

For many, China's transitional economy is an intriguing anomaly: a transition heralded as difficult and painful has sparked an economic boom. The author discusses what is distinctive about China's reform path, how successful are its reforms, whether China yields lessons for other transitional economies among other topics. He also briefly introduces nine other articles, published in this issue of the journal, on different aspects of China's transitional economy. (DÜI-Sen)

Public libraries, which are undergoing technological and socio-cultural changes, today become centres of socialization of communities, creating social and cultural well-being, therefore, their effective management becomes the object of research. This is also relevant in the implementation of public policy: strategic documents ("Europe 2030", "Lithuania 2030"), which guide public sector bodies to achieve a sustainable economy, also actualize the ability to anticipate the necessary changes in the organization.In addition to the usual long-term strategic goals (providing high-quality various services, programs, resources to people of all ages; developing existing collections; creating an environment that responds to community needs and promotes creativity), municipal libraries aim to strengthen the institution's management and develop local communities. Due to COVID-19, the revised strategic plans of public libraries of the Republic of Lithuania have made the accessibility aspect of services even more relevant. Long-term goals testify to the need for strategic change, at the same time raise the problematic questions: what are the essential aspects of science in the management of strategic change in the municipal public library? What is the situation of strategic change management in Lithuanian municipal public libraries? The research aims to practically investigate the situation of strategic change management in Lithuanian municipal public libraries and to discern the aspects to be improved.Based on the scientific literature, we define strategic change as significant fundamental changes in the organization aimed at positive change: to eliminate shortcomings, negative consequences and take on new challenges inherent in the organization's strategy. They are always linked to the strategic goals of the organization, are changing or touching the entire organization, requiring strategic and change management competencies.The strategic changes implemented in the libraries of the Republic of Lithuania in this decade are more attributable to adaptation or evolution, as there are changes in sustainable growth. According to the hierarchical structural model, strategic administrative (changes in management structures, processes) or strategic functional changes (e.g. changes in personnel, financial management strategy, etc.) are usually initiated in the municipal public libraries themselves. Strategic political and strategic changes in work are mainly driven by politicians. Strategic change requires leadership at all levels of an organization's governance and is generally seen as a significant factor in increasing employees' commitment to change.The management of strategic change in libraries as a process has much in common with the management of strategic change in other public sector institutions. Their management in libraries is influenced by external and internal factors, in particular public policy. Among the internal factors for municipal public libraries, the process of managing changes, in general, is important, as it was common practice in Lithuanian municipalities to work in accordance with the municipal cultural policy strategy without developing a separate strategy for the development of their own, separate institution. In the current context of increasing decentralization of governance, it is increasingly the responsibility of libraries to take the initiative and take care of the long-term goals of the organization.The public libraries of two neighbouring municipalities (Akmenė district and Mažeikiai district) were selected for the research, a strategy of mixed methods was applied, combining qualitative research methods (content analysis of documents) and quantitative research methods (total questionnaire survey of both library employees except director and deputy director usingapklausa.lt, after receiving participants' consent via e-mails).Having analysed the strategic plans and activity reports of the years 2011–2021 of public libraries in municipalities of Akmenė district and Mažeikiai district, it was revealed that the most important strategic changes in the recent period correspond to the guidelines of Lithuanian cultural policy (2010) and were mostly technological changes or technological-organizational: related to building reconstructions, renovations; with the digitization of administrative management and services; with the socialization of socially excluded groups, with the increase of digital literacy of communities through education, etc. The documents testify that the public library in Mažeikiai district, during the research, already had its own strategic plan, while the public library in Akmenė district, was developing its first strategy. Different experiences of strategic management have also led to partly different expressions of strategic change management in libraries. The library in Mažeikiai district constantly performs the analysis of external factors, while the library in Akmenė district yet only intends to do so. Among the external factors, the project activities carried out by Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, including public libraries, are important in both cases. By strategizing activities, both libraries conduct the performance analysis using SWOT, highlighting similar weaknesses (limited funding for modernization), strengths (systematically training staff, modernized public library infrastructure, strong collaborative relationships with other public and county libraries).Wider cooperation with business is not yet visible. The library in Akmenė district sees the consideration of the needs of stakeholders and the use of social partners' resources as an opportunity, whereas the library in Mažeikiai district is already planning more active partnership relations, also with Lithuanian and foreign libraries.After conducting the opinion research of the employees of public libraries in Akmenė district and Mažeikiai district, the following most important aspects of the management of strategic changes in the studied municipal public libraries have been revealed:Situation– libraries undergo strategic changes initiated by external institutions through programs and projects; they have experience in implementing strategic change, communicating the results of change; there is no resistance to innovations in libraries; employees begin to be involved in strategic change management through separate sub-processes, while for the time being, managers take the lead in strategic change management; organizations lack a deeper understanding of strategic change, the competencies to initiate them involving the entire library community.Potential– employees would like to be more involved in the management of strategic change: 1) relatively good internal communication about already implemented (mostly project-based) strategic changes is revealed; 2) over 10 percent of employees are already involved in managing strategic change; 3) half of the surveyed employees feel able to offer ideas for innovations and strategic changes, the other 50 percent of employees feel "not invited" to do so; 4) Most staff feel ready to take on good practice from other (including foreign) institutions.This research has confirmed the insights of scholars and cultural strategists that public libraries today are undergoing tremendous change, making long-term perspective knowledge and strategic planning a necessity in every organization. With the growth of decentralization of management as well as the uncertainty due to global changes, in the public sector this is achieved through greater involvement of the community in governance and inter-institutional cooperation. Leadership alone is not enough.This research shows that municipal public libraries have the potential to initiate and manage strategic change themselves, as they have been involved in the implementation of changes initiated by external institutions for 10 years, there is no anti-change attitude in organizations. On the other hand, there is a lack of experience and competencies to anticipate change, initiate change, motivate employees to get involved themselves. This research also raises the debate questions that require broader research: Knowing that municipal public libraries are accustomed to working according to the programs, projects and plans coming from above, the question arises whether the current 2016-2017 legislation on improving library management approved by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania is effective and meets today's challenges; why there is no methodological assistance to public libraries on how to improve their management. What governance structure of municipal public libraries would be conducive to increasing staff involvement in strategic change management? What managerial innovations would increase employee motivation to initiate change? ; Išsikėlus teorines prielaidas,kad strateginiais pokyčiais siekiama tobulinti organizacijos veiklą įgyvendinant nacionalinę, vietos kultūros politiką atliepiančius strateginius tikslus, kurių išsikėlime dalyvauja organizacijos bendruomenė, kad pokyčių valdyme svarbi vadovų lyderystė, jų kompetencija valdyti pokyčius, empiriniu tyrimu siekiama ištirti Lietuvos savivaldybių viešųjų bibliotekų strateginių pokyčių valdymo situaciją, įžvelgti tobulintinus aspektus. Bibliotekų vidinių dokumentų analizė bei darbuotojų apklausa parodė, kad bibliotekos geba įgyvendinti kitų inicijuotus pokyčius. Iš organizacijos vidaus pareinančioms iniciatyvoms valdyti, panaudoti turimą pozityvų nusiteikimą dalyvauti pokyčiuose trūksta strateginio valdymo, pokyčių, bendruomenės įtraukimo į pokyčių valdymą kompetencijų, motyvacijos.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the local identity and its role in the solidarization of society. Considering urban identity as one of the types of local identity, some classical authors (F.Toennis, L. Wirth) insist on the principle impossibility of the existence of such phenomenon (urban identity) in the sense of belonging to the urban community. They point out the main characteristics of the city, such as: large number of people, density and hetero-geneity of population, alienation, fragility and artificial nature of a large city. However, this article proposed to consider urban identity as local, implying that connection of an individual with a certain territory and territorial community is mental, «imaginary» (according to O. Musiyezdov's works).Local identity is considered within the framework of the approach, where it is interpreted as the awareness of personal responsibility for the fate of the city and the way of solidarization of the urban community in solving problems of common life, the arrangement of the urban environment, ecology, heritage conservation, social justice. It is suggested that urban identity increases the level of trust within the urban community and assists in building civil society as a phenomenon that determines heterogeneity and multilevelness of political culture. Such an approach seems very relevant in the context of modem transformations in Ukrainian society, decentralization reform, the creation of capable territorial communities, and the development of local self-government. Various research works show that traditionally there remain a large proportion of people with dominant local identity in Ukraine. At the same time, the majority of the population considers themselves to be Ukrainian citizens.The processes of solidarization in urban community are studied using the example of Odessa. The purpose of our study was to measure the level of local identity of Odessa inhabit- ants (Odessites) as a possible mechanism of solidarization. Data collection was conducted in November 2016 using the method of street survey. The sample consists of 500 people and represents the adult population of Odessa (over 18 years) based on age. gender and region of residence. Empirical research proved that Odessites have rather high level of local identity. This is especially typical for those who were born in the city. At the same time, respondents do not show high inclination to solidarization. which is demonstrated through the low level of trust and perceptions about the consolidation of Ukrainian society. Although the majority of respondents declare readiness for association to achieve certain goals, this readiness can be purely declarative and can differ from the actual behavior of the respondents. The author concludes that high level of local identity is not the only condition for self-organization of citizens and willingness to participate in solving community problems. The discovery of mechanisms of formation of local identity and the understanding of what respondents put into the concept of local identity can contribute to the understanding of local identity as a mechanism of solidarization of citizens.Key words: local identity, urban community, solidarization ; У статті аналізується локальна ідентичність та її роль у процесах солідаризації суспільства. Пропонується розглядати міську ідентичність в якості локальної, розуміючи під цим ментальний, «уявний» зв'язок індивіда с певною територією, територіальною спільнотою. Локальна ідентичність розглядається в рамках підходу, де вона інтерпретується як усвідомлення особистої відповідальності за долі міста, спосіб солідаризації міської спільноти у вирішенні проблем спільного життя, облаштування міського середовища, екології, охорони спадщини, соціальної справедливості. Висловлюється припущення, що міська ідентичність сприяє зростанню довіри в міському співтоваристві і є передумовою формування громадянського суспільства, як явище, що зумовлює неоднорідність та багаторівневість політичної культури. Такий підхід представляється досить актуальним в контексті сучасних трансформацій в українському суспільстві, децентралізації влади, створенні спроможних територіальних громад, розвитку місцевого самоврядування Дослідження демонструють, що в Україні традиційно зберігалася велика частка людей з домінуючою локальною ідентичністю, проте більшість населення вважає себе насамперед громадянами України. На основі емпіричного дослідження доводиться, що для одеситів характерний досить високий рівень локальної ідентичності. В той же час одесити не демонструють високу схильність до солідаризації, що проявляється в низькому рівні довіри та уявленнях про консолідованість українського суспільства. Автор робить висновок, що високий рівень локальної ідентичності не є єдиною умовою для самоорганізації громадян та готовності до участі у розв'язанні проблем громади. Розкриття механізмів формування локальної ідентичності та розуміння того, що вкладається респондентами в поняття локальної ідентичності, у відчуття себе жителями міста Одеса може сприяти розумінню локальної ідентичності як механізму солідаризації в межах великого міста. Ключові слова:локальна ідентичність, міська спільнота, солідаризація. The article is devoted to the analysis of the local identity and its role in the solidarization of society. Considering urban identity as one of the types of local identity, some classical authors (F.Toennis, L. Wirth) insist on the principle impossibility of the existence of such phenomenon (urban identity) in the sense of belonging to the urban community. They point out the main characteristics of the city, such as: large number of people, density and hetero-geneity of population, alienation, fragility and artificial nature of a large city. However, this article proposed to consider urban identity as local, implying that connection of an individual with a certain territory and territorial community is mental, «imaginary» (according to O. Musiyezdov's works).Local identity is considered within the framework of the approach, where it is interpreted as the awareness of personal responsibility for the fate of the city and the way of solidarization of the urban community in solving problems of common life, the arrangement of the urban environment, ecology, heritage conservation, social justice. It is suggested that urban identity increases the level of trust within the urban community and assists in building civil society as a phenomenon that determines heterogeneity and multilevelness of political culture. Such an approach seems very relevant in the context of modem transformations in Ukrainian society, decentralization reform, the creation of capable territorial communities, and the development of local self-government. Various research works show that traditionally there remain a large proportion of people with dominant local identity in Ukraine. At the same time, the majority of the population considers themselves to be Ukrainian citizens.The processes of solidarization in urban community are studied using the example of Odessa. The purpose of our study was to measure the level of local identity of Odessa inhabit- ants (Odessites) as a possible mechanism of solidarization. Data collection was conducted in November 2016 using the method of street survey. The sample consists of 500 people and represents the adult population of Odessa (over 18 years) based on age. gender and region of residence. Empirical research proved that Odessites have rather high level of local identity. This is especially typical for those who were born in the city. At the same time, respondents do not show high inclination to solidarization. which is demonstrated through the low level of trust and perceptions about the consolidation of Ukrainian society. Although the majority of respondents declare readiness for association to achieve certain goals, this readiness can be purely declarative and can differ from the actual behavior of the respondents. The author concludes that high level of local identity is not the only condition for self-organization of citizens and willingness to participate in solving community problems. The discovery of mechanisms of formation of local identity and the understanding of what respondents put into the concept of local identity can contribute to the understanding of local identity as a mechanism of solidarization of citizens.Key words: local identity, urban community, solidarization

The article analyses the problems of political adaptation of Ukrainians. Military conflict in the East of Ukraine, annexation of the Crimea, socioeconomic crisis, distrust to power institutions have all caused a number of issues associated with the internally displaced people. Political adaptive relations in the society are viewed as processes of identification in which a person identifies him\herself with certain aims and political values.The main problem, which internally displaced people face, include access to social services, having a constant place of residence and registering at the new place of residence. Such citizens receive help through oblast administrations and NGOs. As practice shows, the actions of the authorities regarding the problems of internally displaced people are mostly of a declarative nature. However, in addition to social and psychological, political adaptation is also important as it facilitates the integration of a society and its development.Factors that influence the political adaptation of internally displaced people in the modern Ukrainian society have been identified. 1. The set system of relations between a person and the state is ruined due to state institution crisis and power decentralization. 2. The possibilities for political activity of individuals as well as social groups in the course of exercising their rights and satisfying their interests are widened. 3. Activation of non-governmental institutions facilitates the organized citizen participation in the political process, which facilitates the popularization of an active public opinion. 4. Peculiarities of the work of political actors, their reputation, level of responsibility and efficiency. 5. Social environment of a person, level of his/her education and political culture. 6. Mass media, which popularize certain patterns of political behavior, manipulate consciousness, impose stereotypes etc.The author notes that internally displaced people are limited in their rights and freedoms in comparison with the rest of the population (deprivation of the right to vote, discriminative control of their place of residence, limitations as to the choice of a banking institution for receiving pensions and social support etc.). internally displaced people actually have no right to participate in solving local issues, despite the fact that this right is guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine. By this we mean participation in public hearings, local initiatives, general assembly of the community. In addition, internally displaced people cannot participate in establishment of bodies of population self-organization, which is one of the important forms of participation of territorial community members in solving local issues.There is an ambiguous attitude towards the IDPs from the East of Ukraine – compassion mixed with apprehension. On the one hand, local authorities wish to provide maximum possible help for the internally displaced people. At the same time, there is a growing tension in the relations due to the increasing number of citizens who died in the zone of the conflict.One of the key problems that hinders the adaptation of IDPs is the absence of a common national program concerning the internally displaces people as well as of a body that would be directly responsible for dealing with the issues of IDPs. Consequently, displaced people cannot trust state institutions, may perceive the political system as an enemy that does not facilitate their socialization.The process of political adaptation of internally displaced people to the change of political space has certain peculiar features. 1. Social disorientation is caused by the deformation of the socioeconomic system of a society and is a consequence of destruction of social links, statuses and roles, the system of political norms, behavioral ideals. 2. New social identification happens through establishment of new social identities and entering the institutional structure of a society. 3. Collective political participation is carried out through citizen associations, influence on making important political decisions is made at the level of non-governmental institutions. 4. Tolerance to value foundations of a democratic society is being established. ; The article analyses the problems of political adaptation of Ukrainians. Military conflict in the East of Ukraine, annexation of the Crimea, socioeconomic crisis, distrust to power institutions have all caused a number of issues associated with the internally displaced people. Political adaptive relations in the society are viewed as processes of identification in which a person identifies him\herself with certain aims and political values.The main problem, which internally displaced people face, include access to social services, having a constant place of residence and registering at the new place of residence. Such citizens receive help through oblast administrations and NGOs. As practice shows, the actions of the authorities regarding the problems of internally displaced people are mostly of a declarative nature. However, in addition to social and psychological, political adaptation is also important as it facilitates the integration of a society and its development.Factors that influence the political adaptation of internally displaced people in the modern Ukrainian society have been identified. 1. The set system of relations between a person and the state is ruined due to state institution crisis and power decentralization. 2. The possibilities for political activity of individuals as well as social groups in the course of exercising their rights and satisfying their interests are widened. 3. Activation of non-governmental institutions facilitates the organized citizen participation in the political process, which facilitates the popularization of an active public opinion. 4. Peculiarities of the work of political actors, their reputation, level of responsibility and efficiency. 5. Social environment of a person, level of his/her education and political culture. 6. Mass media, which popularize certain patterns of political behavior, manipulate consciousness, impose stereotypes etc.The author notes that internally displaced people are limited in their rights and freedoms in comparison with the rest of the population (deprivation of the right to vote, discriminative control of their place of residence, limitations as to the choice of a banking institution for receiving pensions and social support etc.). internally displaced people actually have no right to participate in solving local issues, despite the fact that this right is guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine. By this we mean participation in public hearings, local initiatives, general assembly of the community. In addition, internally displaced people cannot participate in establishment of bodies of population self-organization, which is one of the important forms of participation of territorial community members in solving local issues.There is an ambiguous attitude towards the IDPs from the East of Ukraine – compassion mixed with apprehension. On the one hand, local authorities wish to provide maximum possible help for the internally displaced people. At the same time, there is a growing tension in the relations due to the increasing number of citizens who died in the zone of the conflict.One of the key problems that hinders the adaptation of IDPs is the absence of a common national program concerning the internally displaces people as well as of a body that would be directly responsible for dealing with the issues of IDPs. Consequently, displaced people cannot trust state institutions, may perceive the political system as an enemy that does not facilitate their socialization.The process of political adaptation of internally displaced people to the change of political space has certain peculiar features. 1. Social disorientation is caused by the deformation of the socioeconomic system of a society and is a consequence of destruction of social links, statuses and roles, the system of political norms, behavioral ideals. 2. New social identification happens through establishment of new social identities and entering the institutional structure of a society. 3. Collective political participation is carried out through citizen associations, influence on making important political decisions is made at the level of non-governmental institutions. 4. Tolerance to value foundations of a democratic society is being established.