Dysfunctions in the Public Sphere: A Case Study of Decentralized Organization

Purpose: The aim of this article is to identify the management dysfunctions and the functioning dysfunctions of a decentralized public organization. The research question posed by the author is contained in the inquiry: what external and internal factors reduce the operational efficiency of a decentralized public organization? Design/methodology/approach: The text is based on qualitative research. The researcher relied on 51 open interviews. The work was based on three main theoretical frameworks: the theory of organizational pathologies, the theory of organizational politics and the theory of bureaucracy. Findings: The research identified endogenous and exogenous sources of dysfunctions of decentralized public organizations. These include financing, lack of trust, bureaucratic structure, communication, unification and coordination, dispersed leadership, work organization, lack of trust, finances, top-down philosophy, qualifications, and lack of collaboration. Research limitations/implications: The limitations of qualitative research are the relatively small sample size and lack of representativeness. A natural continuation of the research may be the quantitative verification of identified dysfunctions and their sources. Practical implications: The research allowed to identify sources of dysfunction in the analyzed organization. Some of them are endogenous, so they can be eliminated by the organization itself. Knowledge about exogenous sources can also be used to improve the functioning of the organization, but with the necessary participation of external entities. Social implications: Understanding the sources of dysfunction and eliminating them can contribute to improving organizational efficiency, thereby enhancing customer service and the effective use of public resources. Originality/value: Understanding dysfunctions and their sources is important for theorists and managers overseeing public organizations. Knowledge in this area is crucial for streamlining organizations and prioritizing the changes being implemented.