AUTHOR=Gasparyan Arman 

TITLE=From paperwork to pixels: workload and digital governance in Armenian local authorities

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Political Science

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/political-science/articles/10.3389/fpos.2024.1280109

DOI=10.3389/fpos.2024.1280109

ISSN=2673-3145

ABSTRACT=This paper explores the intricate dynamics of increased workload and e-governance in the context of amalgamation reforms in Armenia. Amid a backdrop of rapid decentralisation and local government consolidation, the study delves into the implications of these reforms on the daily lives of public servants on different levels of government and on ordinary citizens. It meticulously examines how the distribution of work and responsibilities shifted as local communities amalgamated, providing insights into the efficiencies and challenges that emerged. Additionally, the paper scrutinises the role of digital governance tools in mitigating the workload pressures experienced by local administrators. 

By investigating the synergy between amalgamation-induced increased workloads and the introduction of e-governance tools, the paper aims to shed light on the underlying tensions and potential solutions that emerge in local governance systems undergoing significant transformation. It is within this dynamic space that we uncover the intricate interplay between administrative efficiency and public service delivery, shedding light on the broader implications for democracy, accountability, and citizen engagement.

Ultimately, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding decentralisation, local democracy, and e-governance, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of local governance in the era of consolidation and digitalisation.