Government Ghosting in Puerto Rico: Impacts on Solid Waste Stakeholders From a Territorial Government Reorganization

Abstract

This study contributes to the literature on impacts experienced by stakeholders from a government reorganization. The research uses the case of Puerto Rico, which underwent a central government reorganization in 2018. Thirty-five interviews were conducted with participants who worked in the solid waste sector. Immediately after the government reorganization, territorial government employees were more likely to be absent and the quality of work declined, which we call “government ghosting.” As a result, stakeholders outside of the central government stepped into roles and responsibilities and, in many cases, were negatively affected.

Keywords

government ghosting government decentralization solid waste management government reorganization short-term stakeholder impacts Puerto Rico

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