Character Traits and Governance Practices of Local Chief Executives as Predictors of Performance of Local Government Units in Northern Samar: Inputs to a Design of Local Governace Model

Abstract

This study determined the character traits and governance practices of local government officials in the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Northern Samar. The Big Five-character trait dimensions also known as Five Factor Model consists of the five traits, openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism were determined. The governance practices such as transparency, participation, accountability, leadership, general organization and governance, inter-governmental relations, rule of law continuity in the implementation of programs, predictability and sustainability, preference for the poor, and effective, responsive provision of basic services were correlated with character traits of the local executives.The study covered 12 municipalities randomly selected from the twenty-four (24) municipalities. These are Catarman, Bobon, Lavezares, San Isidro, San Antonio, Biri, San Roque, Laoang, Las Navas, Palapag, Mapanas and Pambujan. The respondents of the study are the current Local chief executives (LCEs) and selected employees with permanent status in the municipalities covered.Significant difference was found between local chief executives and employees’ perception on the character traits of the LCEs. Significant difference on the agreeableness as character trait means that the degree to which the LCEs is able to get along with others by being good-natured, cooperative, forgiving, compassionate, understanding, and trusting is higher than the employees and stakeholders dis not differ significantly.The test of relationship between the chief executives’ character traits and governance practices showed that openness is significantly correlated with transparency, participation and leadership.