Qualitative assumptions of elected representatives and officers in local self-government in the Slovak Republic

Abstract

The quality of representatives’ decision making is largely contingent on their qualifications and experience. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the qualitative assumptions of elected representatives and officers in local selfgovernment from the viewpoint of the local inhabitants – the voters. The research was conducted with a sample of selected inhabitants–voters on the local level by questionnaire, in which the inhabitants gave their opinions about their qualitative assumptions regarding the mayor’s and council members’ public function performance. The inhabitants also gave their opinions on the qualities of the professional staff of the municipal office – the officers. The results showed that the inhabitants prefer credibility and personal authority in the public function performance of elected representatives and the method of communication and a professional approach by officers.