Between autonomy and supervision: The interpretation of community supervisory committee reform in Hangzhou, China. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xuefan; Wang, Jing; Xu, Li
• Is Part Of: Cities. Volume 88(2019)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Self-governance -- Accountability -- Supervision -- Autonomy -- Homeowners association; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; 711.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2019.01.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2751

Abstract

Abstract: The accountability dilemma has been prominent in current self-governance studies and practice: on one hand, self-governance should be independent and not accountable to the government; on the other hand, it is in risk of abusing its power without external supervision. This article argues that the complex influence of governmental sponsorship to self-governance should be examined beyond the dichotomy of autonomy and supervision. Specifically, this article focuses on the reform in Hangzhou, China, which formed the government-sponsored but self-governing organizations, Community Supervisory Committees (CSC), to supervise self-governance for accountability. Through examining the interpretation and strategies of CSCs under the dilemma, this article identifies the subtle influences of governmental sponsorship in supervising self-governance. These findings provide evidence about to what extent, and in what approaches the governmental sponsorship can integrate with self-governance to improve the accountability. Highlights: The dichotomy of autonomy and supervision causes the accountability dilemma of governance. Residents-only recruitment does not necessarily guarantee the legitimacy of supervision The governmental sponsorship and supervision should respect the civil and commercial laws. Transparency is important to the accountability of the "private government".