How Citizens Think About Citizen State Relations: The Case of South Sudan.

Research Project Assignment

By

Abraham Telar Nicknora (ID 214445092)

Presented to

Instructors Name: Dr. Zim Nwokora

Course: Research Project (AIX701)

Institution Name: Deakin University

Location: Melbourne Burwood

Date Due: 06.06.2016

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Table of Contents

1.0 CHAPTER 1: Introduction........................................................................................................4

1.1 Background..........................................................................................................................4
1.2 Aim........................................................................................................................................6
1.3 Objectives.............................................................................................................................7
1.4 Research Approach..............................................................................................................7
1.5 Project Outline.....................................................................................................................8
2.0 Chapter II: Literature Review....................................................................................................9
2.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................9
2.2 Theoretical Frameworks and Constructs..........................................................................9
2.2.1 Communication...........................................................................................................10
2.2.2 Citizen-state Trust.......................................................................................................10
2.2.3 Citizen-State Commitment.........................................................................................11
2.2.4 Mutual National Goals and Vision............................................................................11
2.2.5 Policy Effectiveness.....................................................................................................12
2.3 Conceptual Framework.....................................................................................................13
2.4 Concepts, Theories, and Models.......................................................................................13
2.4.1 Defining Citizen-State Relationship..........................................................................13
2.4.2 Defining Policy Effectiveness.....................................................................................14
2.4.3 The Organic Theory of State.....................................................................................14
2.4.4 The Mechanical Theory of State................................................................................15
2.4.5 Citizen Participation...................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................17
3.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................17
3.2 Research Strategy..............................................................................................................17
3.3 Research Design.................................................................................................................17
3.4 Research Sampling............................................................................................................17
3.5 Methods of Data Collection...............................................................................................18
3.6 Method of Data Analysis...................................................................................................18
CHAPTER 4: Research Findings and Discussion.........................................................................20
4.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................20
4.2 Quantitative Analysis.........................................................................................................20
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4.2.1 Response Rate.............................................................................................................20

4.2.2 Gender.........................................................................................................................22
4.2.3 Level of Education......................................................................................................22
4.2.4 Effect of Citizen-state Relationship on Policy Effectiveness...................................23
4.2.5 Whether Communication Affects Policy Effectiveness...........................................24
4.2.6 Whether Trust Affects Policy Effectiveness..............................................................25
4.2.7 Whether Commitment Affects Policy Effectiveness................................................26
4.2.8 Whether Mutual Goals Affect Policy Effectiveness.................................................28
5.0 Chapter Five: Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations...........................31
5.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................31
5.2 Summary of Findings........................................................................................................31
5.3 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................32
5.4 Recommendations..............................................................................................................33
Reference List................................................................................................................................34
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1.0 CHAPTER 1: Introduction

The relationship between citizens and the state is very essential in ensuring that a particular

policy is effective. Considering that South Sudan is the youngest nation in Africa, there is dire

need for the development of policies which the state shall use to govern the people. This study is

geared towards the exploration of the extent to which the citizen-state relationship affects policy

effectiveness.

1.1 Background

Policy effectiveness is the extent to which a particular policy has been executed and

implemented going by its goals and objectives. The goals of different policies are different. They

are, however, developed directly by the state or through delegation with or without citizen

participation. The citizen-state relationship is just one of the many determinants of policy

effectiveness. There are several other factors that influence successful implementation of policy

initiatives (Bron et al. 2009). Among these factors include the general security context, the

political environment, social-cultural values and the socio-economic and macroeconomic

context. For specific policies to be effective, certain actions must be chosen to meet the goals and

objectives. In some political settings, it is easier to implement some policies and not others just

like it is easier to achieve policy effectiveness in some states than it is in others.

The citizen-state relationship refers to the connection between members of a particular country

and the body with the power to make and enforce laws to control them. While the state seeks to

maximize authority, citizens seek to maximize liberty. The state seeks to maximize its power to

enforce rules or given orders while citizens seek to maximize on their condition of being free

from control. This creates the conflict of interest between the two groups. Most of the times, the

relationship is hampered by lack of common purpose, and objectives (Green 2008). Citizens
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continually pursue their goals to gain maximum possible liberty while the state continually

pursues its goals to gain the maximum possible authority. This leads to a conflict of interest

which hampers the relationship to a considerable extent. The relationship is perceived to be at its

best when a compromise between the two opposing interests has been attained. The best citizen-

state relationship is the one that the citizens identify with the state, perceiving the state as their

representatives and as their larger copy while the state, on the other hand, ensures that it does not

use its authority to oppress the citizens.

South Sudan is the youngest nation in Africa, having gained its independence in 2011. It is in the

northeastern Africa with a population of 12.3 million people going by World Bank estimates,

2015. The estimated nominal GDP estimate by 2016 is $13.825 billion with a total per capita

income of $1139. The political situation is currently unsettled with high levels of political

instability. For the past two years, the country has been torn apart by continuous civil war with

various policies that had been put in place to facilitate the smooth running of the multi-tribal

coalition collapsing. With the increased levels of the rivalry since December 2013, several tens

of thousands of citizens have been killed with more than 2.2 million people being displaced. An

attempt to put policies to normalize the situation success but their implementation fails. It is

probable that one of the main causes of this failure is the citizen-state relationship.

Among the main theories that attempt to explain the relationship between the state and the

individuals in the state include the organic theory of the state (Loss 2012). Neither the state nor

the citizens can function properly without relying on the other. The state and the citizens are in a

mutually beneficial relationship like that of a living being and its cells. Both benefit from each

other. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, believed that the state was an evolution which was

created for man (citizens) (Cremona 2011). An additional theory that attempts to explain the
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citizen-state relationship is the mechanical state theory (Loss 2012). Unlike the organic theory,

the mechanical state theory purports that the state was created to represent the interests of the

citizens as opposed to being created for them. Adding up to the theories is the theory of citizen

participation that emphasizes the importance of involving citizens in state policy/ decision-

making processes.

Unfortunately, neither of the studies highlighted above has provided a discussion on the effect of

citizen-state relationship on policy effectiveness. Most of the studies focus on the relationship

and how it works and not the extent to which it affects the policy effectiveness in the state. This

study, therefore, seeks to fill the clear gap. The South Sudan state faces considerable resistance

and ineffectiveness any time new policies are to be implemented and executed. This resistance is

easily attributable to the absolute ignorance of the of citizen participation. Eventually, this

undue ignorance hampers the relationship between the state and its citizens. Going by this

sample, the study will focus on factors emanating from a citizen-state relationship that indirectly

affect policy effectiveness.

1.2 Aim

The aim of this research is to investigate and explore how the relationship between the citizens

and the state affect the implementation and execution of policy effectiveness and the extent to

which it does so.

The findings will provide both the state and the citizens with a better understanding of the

citizen-state relationship with examples and illustrations being drawn from different nations

especially South Sudan. The study will act as a guideline on how to effectively utilize citizen-

state relationship for effective policy implementation and execution.

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1.3 Objectives

Primary Objective

To establish the extent to which citizen-state relationship affects policy effectiveness

Secondary Objectives

To establish the extent to which communication between citizens and the state affects

policy effectiveness
To determine the extent to which citizen-state trust affects policy effectiveness
To establish the extent to which citizen-state commitment affects policy effectiveness
To establish the extent to which mutual national goals and vision between citizens and

the state affect policy effectiveness

1.4 Research Approach

To achieve the intended goals and objectives, the researcher shall utilize qualitative research

methods. The main survey instrument to be incorporated is the e-questionnaires. Close-ended

questions will dominate over the open-ended questions in the e-questionnaire to ease opinion

assessment. The research questions are of the qualitative research nature, as opposed to

quantitative, because the data to be gathered regards aspects such as human experience, human

perception, opinions, and views (Mears 2010). Therefore, qualitative research is the most

suitable in this case. The aim is to interact with at least one hundred respondents of different

ages, formal literacy, and educational backgrounds. The variation is considered to ensure a wide

range of opinions. Each of these respondents is expected to respond to the electronic

questionnaire.
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1.5 Project Outline

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2.0 Chapter II: Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

The literature review section is a critical part of this study because it provides the reader with a

detailed understanding of secondary research of models and theories relating to the current

research topic. Besides, it provides the researcher with an opportunity for further justification

and elaboration on how the study will fill knowledge gaps.

The first part provides a discussion of policy effectiveness and its varied definitions. Policy

effectiveness as a phrase has as well been explored with insights on how it has been used over

time and how well it fits policy execution and implementation.

The final part of the report focuses on theoretical analysis of the three main theories that have

been used previously to explain the relationship between citizens and the state. These theories

include the organic theory of the state, the mechanical theory of state and the theory of citizen

participation.

The second part of the literature review section provides a discussion of the concept of the

citizen-state relationship. The various definitions of this term have been discussed. Besides, the

phrase citizen-state relationship has been explored by looking at previous works relating to the

same subject.

2.2 Theoretical Frameworks and Constructs

Different researchers have proposed several citizen-state relationship oriented variables as the

fundamental variables towards policy effectiveness. This section provides a discussion of the

commonly discussed variables that lead to policy effectiveness.

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2.2.1 Communication

Communication is the movement of information (message) from one party to the other through a

certain medium. According to Mohr and Nevin (1990), communication is one of the critical

variables in ensuring policy effectiveness because for a specific policy to succeed, it must be

communicated. The policy should be communicated to all stakeholders especially those who are

expected to execute and implement it. Communication plays a major role in enhancing the

relationship between the citizens and their state. Communication has three main aspects that are

important for policy effectiveness (Campbell 2011). The aspects include the quality of

communication, the extent of information sharing and the participation of both parties. The

quality of communication has been used, in this case, to insinuate the accuracy, timeliness,

adequacy and the credibility of information being exchanged. While this is so, participation

refers to the extent to which both parties are involved in planning and setting the goals. The

extent of information sharing refers to states readiness and willingness to pass information to

citizens.

2.2.2 Citizen-state Trust

This refers to the extent to which citizens can rely on the information given by the state.

Moreover, it goes to the extent of covering the extent to which citizens believe that the policies

communicated them by the state for execution are to the best interest of the citizens. Where the

citizen-state trust level is high, chances of policy effectiveness are said to be higher than when

citizens do not trust that the state drafted such policies with citizens best interest in mind. The

bottom-line is, policies are implemented and executed by the citizens. These citizens must be

certain that the policies are meant to better their lives and not to satisfy the interests of those in
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power. Citizen-state trust is, therefore, identified as a key variable towards achieving policy

effectiveness.

2.2.3 Citizen-State Commitment

Commitment is one of the most independent variables as far as mutually beneficial relationships

are concerned according to Moorman, Zaltman, and Deshpande (1992). According to Hardwick

and Ford (1986), commitment assures partners that those they are partnering with have hope that

the relationship will be mutually beneficial. In the case of a citizen-state relationship, the states

commitment towards ensuring citizens compliance with certain policies implies that they are

certain of their benefits. There is little or no doubt at all that commitment is a critical variable

that is essential in measuring the future of a relationship. The phrase future of relationship, in

this case, has been used to imply the period that the citizens will continue being satisfied with

policies being put in place by the state. If the government is not committed to the satisfaction of

its citizens, they rebel. Moreover, where there is no commitment, citizens are reluctant in

complying with policies that have been put in place by the government (Joireman 2009). Where

the state has a dire need to remain in power, it may use commitment to reflect its willingness to

remain in power.

2.2.4 Mutual National Goals and Vision

Wilson (1995) defined mutual goals as the degree to which partners (in any relationship) share

goals that can only be accomplished through joint action and maintenance of the relationship.

Mutual goals provide a strong reason for policy effectiveness. With mutual goals, both the

citizens and the states shall be moving towards the same direction; towards the achievement of a

common vision. This creates the unanimity of purpose and direction. As such, policies developed

shall as well be geared towards the achievement of the common vision, goals, and purpose.
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Inconsistency between the states intentions and those of the citizens shall be non-existent. With

such unanimity, the policies developed by the states shall be representing the interests of the

people. Citizens are always ready and willing to execute and implement policies that represent

their will hence policy effectiveness. On the other hand, if citizens and the state have non-mutual

goals, chances that they will be ineffective are higher than the possibility that they will be

effective.

2.2.5 Policy Effectiveness

It is the extent to which a particular policy has been executed and implemented going by its goals

and objectives. The goals of different policies are different. They are, however, developed

directed by the state or through delegation with or without citizen participation. The citizen-state

relationship is just one of the many determinants of policy effectiveness. There are several other

factors that limit the successful implementation of policy initiatives (Donovan et al. 2012).

Among these factors include the general security context, the political environment, social-

cultural values and the socio-economic and macroeconomic context. For specific policies to be

effective, certain actions must be chosen to meet the goals and objectives. In some political

settings, it is easier to implement some policies and not others just like it is easier to achieve

policy effectiveness in some states than it is in others. Policy effectiveness is the only dependent

variables among the variables discussed in this case.

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2.3 Conceptual Framework

I would include an arrow () to link your independent variables (communication, trust, etc.) to

the dependent variable.

2.4 Concepts, Theories, and Models

2.4.1 Defining Citizen-State Relationship

People live in a society formed by a group of other people. Constitutionally, all people agree that

they should form some form of central power to govern them, their actions and their operations.

This is where the concept of citizens and citizenship comes in. The success of a particular state is

heavily dependent on the relationship between the citizens and the state. To a large extent, it is

dependent on good citizens. Citizens form different institutions to govern them as they continue

to live, and one of these institutions is the state. The citizen-state relationship is, therefore, one

kind of a relationship where citizens put in place the state to govern them, their resources and
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their operations (Volden & Wiseman 2014). The relationship has developed over the years from a

dictatorial type where the government was perceived to be over-superior to a more democratic

one where the government is perceived to be one of the many institutions in the society. To

enhance this relationship, governments adopt citizen relationship management (CRM) where

efforts are geared towards ensuring that citizen requests are responded to in a quick, succinct and

accurate manner.

2.4.2 Defining Policy Effectiveness

Policy effectiveness is the extent to which a particular policy has been executed and

implemented going by its goals and objectives (Sgherri & Bayoumi 2009). Policy effectiveness

is important to a large extent because if the effectiveness of government policy is not evaluated,

the risk that the government continues to implement an ineffective policy is increased. In the end,

a considerable portion of public resources shall be wasted. As pointed out earlier, there are

several determinants of policy effectiveness that can be used to assess the extent to which a

particular policy has been executed and implemented. One of these determinants is the citizen-

state relationship. For a particular policy to remain relevant with time, it is important for the

government to ensure that continuous evaluations are made. This helps in identification and

amelioration of limiting factors to the successful implementation of policy initiatives.

2.4.3 The Organic Theory of State

This theory provides that the state and nature are one thing. The society transcends some of its

individuals through power, rights or priority. Not a single society can evade this transcending

behavior. Even the minor subgroups within the society find themselves transcending some of the

individuals in any of the three forms. Individuals in the society unite to form a state. The state is,

therefore, formed by some of the citizens of the same country that the state it is expected to
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govern (Brieba 2014). As such, the theory provides that the relationship between an individual

and the state is similar that of an organism (human beings) and the various parts of a body that it

has. The analogy of an organism and its parts of a body brings out the thought that neither the

state nor the citizens living in that particular state can exist in isolation. Both rely on each other

for the general functioning of a country. From a practical point of view, the state must rely on its

citizens for funding while the citizens must rely on the state for the provision of public services

and other public amenities (Loss 2012). This theory focuses on the citizen-state relationship as a

mutually beneficial relationship where none can do without the other. The theory does not,

however, focus on the relationships effect on policy effectiveness.

2.4.4 The Mechanical Theory of State

The mechanical theory of state provides that the state is created to represent the interests of the

people who create it. The mechanical theorist provided that people are always in a state where

they constantly fear for death and seek peace. To escape the condition, the state is created so that

it can protect man from his fears. All the power of fellow men and fellow individuals is vested in

the state which is deemed to work for the people. Even so, it is assumed that sovereignty is

vested in the people. The relationship between the state and its citizens is more of a social

contract as opposed to that of an organism and parts of the body like it is the case in the organic

theory. It is a social contract between a man and the state with the hope that the state shall

provide security and a better platform for peace to the citizens (Chadwick 2006). Being this kind

of a relationship, in case the state fails to maintain restraining power through law and order as

expected by the citizens using the power that it has been given, citizens are entitled to rebel.
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2.4.5 Citizen Participation

In citizen participation, private citizens are provided with an opportunity to influence public

decisions. The general assumption is that the state should make such decisions. The citizen

participation theory, however, requires that citizens are as well included in resource contribution

in the process of settling for such decisions (Blotevogel 2013s). Their opinion and other

resources should not be ignored. In public participation, citizens are given an opportunity to

contribute all kinds of resources including knowledge, information, and financial resources

amongst others. It is well evident that citizen participation programs are costly and time-

consuming but they legitimize a democracy. They provide a super platform for the state to

interact with the citizens and for the citizens to make a meaningful contribution to governance.

Citizens can participate and they should be involved at levels that are beyond non-participation.

The figure below provides an illustration of Arnstlens (1969) ladder of participation.

Figure 1: The Ladder of Citizen Participation

Source: Arnstlen (1969)

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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction

According to Clough and Nutbrown (2012), a methodology is no solely limited to the mode of

thinking but goes to the extents of defining the different tools and steps that are utilized for

proper execution of the study. The focus of this chapter is, therefore, to provide a thorough

description of the different methods adopted to meet the aims and objectives of the study.

Moreover, the methods used to collect and analyze data have as well been enumerated with the

limitations and ethical principles applied.

3.2 Research Strategy

The two main theoretical frameworks used for research are the deductive and inductive research.

While the deductive approach (also known as top-down reasoning) requires the researcher to

develop a hypothesis based on the past, the inductive approach requires making certain

observations and finding then analyzing them. In the development of this paper, the researcher

ignored the deductive reasoning approach and adopted the inductive approach.

3.3 Research Design

The researcher used quantitative research design with e-questionnaires being the main data

collection tool. The preliminary parts of the e-questionnaire consisted of multiple questions

which were meant to obtain personal information from the respondents. The secondary part of

the e-questionnaire required the respondents to tick appropriate boxes.

3.4 Research Sampling

The researcher utilized both probability and non-probability sampling methods. The non-

probability sampling methods were essential to ensure that the conclusions made from the

research data were accurate. While this is so, the probability sampling methods helped the
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researcher to save time and costs in conducting his research. In probability sampling methods,

the researcher ensured that the samples collected were truly representative samples and that they

had a lower chance of leading to a sampling error. Besides, the researcher ensured that the

sample provided a perfect platform for controlling systematic bias so that the results can be

applied to the whole population with a reasonable level of confidence.

3.5 Methods of Data Collection

The main data collection instrument utilized by the researcher was e-questionnaires. The

researcher found them suitable because target respondents could access them any time they

wished to do so. In these e-questionnaires, the close-ended questions dominated over the open-

ended questions due to their ease of opinion assessment and data analysis.

In addition to the e-questionnaires, the researcher also utilized the focus groups since they are in

a better position to bring people and their opinions together. The focus group method is an

excellent way of collecting data especially when the researcher intends to gain access to the

thoughts, beliefs and attitudes of the respondents. Besides, the focus group method was deemed

suitable because it encouraged group interaction, ideological sharing, and exchange of anecdotes

and sharing of experiences hence increasing the quality of responses given. By providing an

ideal combination of both the e-questionnaire and the focus groups, the researcher placed

himself in a better position to mitigate the limitations that come along with each of the data

collection methods when used solely.

3.6 Method of Data Analysis

Data was collected through administration of e-questionnaires in a website that was accessible

by both the researcher and the respondents on the different ends. After collecting the data, the
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researcher used the thematic analysis process to analyze the said data. The thematic analysis

process has been illustrated in the figure below:

Figure 3: The Thematic process

Source: Braun and Clarke (2006)

In so doing, the researcher began by assessing whether or not the respondents had answered all

the questions. After confirming that this was done, the response was approved for usage in

analytical tools. The data analysis process was completed using percentage tables and charts

while the questionnaire analysis was used to analyze the unstructured questions, especially from

the focus groups.

The content analysis method that was utilized in analyzing e-questionnaires was not used in the

analysis of the unstructured data from focus groups. Analytical induction was deemed unsuitable
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for this study since the hypothesis was not being tested. Percentage tables and charts have later

been used to present the results of the analytical process in the next chapter of the dissertation.

CHAPTER 4: Research Findings and Discussion

4.1 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the results of the research findings and their discussions. The data

provided in this dissertation section was as a result of an analysis conducted with the help of the

descriptive statistical methods. It has been presented in the form of labels, pie charts and bar

graphs.

4.2 Quantitative Analysis

4.2.1 Response Rate

The percentage ages of the respondents were as shown below:

40% of the respondents were in the age range of 21-33

55% of the respondents were in the age range of 33-50
5% of the respondents were beyond the age of 50

The pie chart below summarizes the above information:

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Figure 4: Percentage Age of the Respondents

Source: Author

The total numbers of questionnaires administered were 150. Among these, 60 of them were

issued to respondents aged 21-33, 82 to individuals aged between 33 and 50 while 8 were issued

to individuals beyond the age of 8.

4.2.2 Gender

The number of individuals who responded was approximately 180. Among these individuals,

males and females were represented below:

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Gender Responses Percentage Response

Males 115 64
Females 65 36
Total 180 100
From the table above, it is well evident that the responses from males were considerably more

than those from the females.

4.2.3 Level of Education

At a minimum, 30% of the respondents had three years in institutions of higher learning. 50% of

the respondents were graduates while 20% is awaiting their graduation, so they had at least four

years in institutions of higher learning.

Figure 5: Percentage Level of Education of the Respondents

Source: Author
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4.2.4 Effect of Citizen-state Relationship on Policy Effectiveness

The respondents were asked to respond in general terms on whether citizen-state relationship

affects policy effectiveness. The findings were as shown in the table below:

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 126 84
No 24 16
Total 150 100

The majority of the respondents, 84% of the total respondents, reported that the relationship

plays a major role in enhancing policy effectiveness. 16% responded that citizen-state

relationship has no effect on policy effectiveness. They maintained policy effectiveness is

influenced by other factors other than the relationship.

Extent to which citizen-state relationship affects policy effectiveness

84% of the respondents who responded that human factors affect commercial aviation responded

on an additional question that required them to relay the extent to which they think human

factors do so. The results were as shown in the table below:

Extent Frequency Percentage

Very Large Extent 13 10
Large Extent 56 44
Moderate Extent 29 24
Low Extent 28 22
Total 126 100

4.2.5 Whether Communication Affects Policy Effectiveness

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 111 74
No 39 26
Total 150 100
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As evident in the table above, 74% of the respondents provided a positive response to the

question of whether communication affects policy effectiveness. 26% of the responses were,

however, negative.

Extent to Which Communication Affects Policy Effectiveness

Extent Frequency Percentage

Very Large Extent 42 38
Large Extent 65 58
Moderate Extent 2 2
Low Extent 2 2
Total 111 100

From the table above, the majority of the respondents, 58%, felt that communication affected

policy effectiveness to a large extent. 38% felt that it did so to a very large extent while 2% felt

that communication affected policy effectiveness to a moderate extent. The other 2% felt that

communication affected policy effectiveness to a considerably low extent.

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4.2.6 Whether Trust Affects Policy Effectiveness

Figure 6: Responses on Trust as an Independent Variable for Policy Effectiveness

Source: Author

The pie chart above presents the percentage responses given by respondents on whether or not

knowledge affects policy effectiveness. 109 of the respondents said yes while 41 said it does not.

Extent to Which Trust Affects Policy Effectiveness

Extent Frequency Percentage

Very Large Extent 9 8
Large Extent 26 24
Moderate Extent 32 29
Low Extent 42 39
Total 109 100
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39% of the individuals who stated that trust affects policy effectiveness stated that it does so to a

lower extent. 8%, 24%, and 29% of the positive respondents stated that trust affects policy

effectiveness to a very large extent, large extent and moderate extent respectively.

4.2.7 Whether Commitment Affects Policy Effectiveness

Among the 150 questionnaires issued to respondents, 132 stated that commitment affects policy

effectiveness while 18 stated that it does not. The pie chart below provides a presentation of this

response.

Figure 7: Responses on Commitment as an Independent Variable for Policy Effectiveness

Source: Author
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Extent to Which Commitment Affect Policy Effectiveness

Figure 8: Extent to Which Commitment Affects Policy Effectiveness

Source: Author

Among the 132 respondents who stated yes, 51 of them stated that commitment affects policy

effectiveness to a very large extent. 29, 33, and 19 state a large extent, moderate extent, and low

extent respectively.

4.2.8 Whether Mutual Goals Affect Policy Effectiveness

Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 82 55
No 68 45
Total 150 100
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As illustrated in the table above, 55% of the respondents stated that mutual goals affect policy

effectiveness. 45%, on the other hand, stated that policy effectiveness is not affected by mutual

goals. The pie chart below summarizes the above responses:

Figure 9: Responses mutual goals as an Independent Variable for policy effectiveness

Source: Author
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Extent to Which Mutual Goals and Vision Affect Policy Effectiveness

Figure 10: Extent to Which Mutual Goals Affects Policy Effectiveness

Source: Author
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5.0 Chapter Five: Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations

5.1 Introduction

This final section will provide a summary of the main points of this study, presenting the

research contributions made, focusing on how the objectives and aim of the study have been met.

Also, the theoretical applications of the findings in South Sudan, as well as the

recommendations, have been discussed.

5.2 Summary of Findings

The study had a considerably good response rate of approximately 90% of the target population.

A majority of the responses were obtained from male respondents as opposed to the females

probably because males are more interested in politics than females (says who? Surely this

depends on your definition of politics and it raises the question of whether you should have

actively sought out more women in your sample to compensate). More than 50% of the

respondents were graduates aged between the age of 33 and 50. 84% of the respondents made

positive responses on the question of whether or not citizen-state relationship affects policy

effectiveness. Further, a whole 74% of the respondents agreed that communication is a key factor

in ensuring policy effectiveness. Other independent variables that received considerably high

positive responses include commitment and trust each having 88% and 73% respectively. Only

55% of the respondents would conquer with the claim that mutual goals and vision affect policy

effectiveness.
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5.3 Conclusion

From the research results, it is well evident that the main factor affecting policy effectiveness as

far as the citizen-state relationship is concerned in South Sudan is government commitment. The

commitment could be a real commitment or perceived commitment. Citizens may perceive their

government as a committed one even when it is not. In such a case, policies are more likely to be

effective than when the government is perceived as an uncommitted one. Perceived commitment

is important because a government could be committed but if it is perceived as an uncommitted

one, policies are less likely to be ineffective. In the case of South Sudan, citizens have little

belief that the government is committed to solving the problems they are currently undergoing.

As such, few policies are likely to be effective.

In addition to commitment is communication. Individuals are less likely to comply with a

particular policy if they are not aware of its existence. South Sudan is still developing as far as

infrastructure is concerned, and the communication systems are yet to upgrade well enough to

allow for direct and frequent communication between the state and the citizens. While some of

the states of developed countries have already developed a system where frequent reports are

sent to citizens through emails, most of South Sudanese have no idea of what an email is

(Akongdit 2013). As such, communication between the state and the citizens is done in a rather

general form through electronic media. This channel has as well its unique challenges because a

sizable percentage of the citizens do not possess these devices.

Trust and mutual goals are also vital determinants for policy effectiveness. The citizens do not

trust that the direction being taken by the state is similar to the one they would wish the state to

take. As such, there are no mutual goals between the South Sudanese state and the citizens.

Citizens (who are the implementers of the policies developed by the state) find the policies
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inconsistent with their goals. They, therefore, avoid implementing them unless they are

compelled to do so. In the end, policy effectiveness is negatively affected.

5.4 Recommendations

The survey section was an important part of this project, and it provided the researcher with

direct feedback on what an important section of the public thinks on the variables that influence

policy effectiveness. The researcher concludes that states must focus on ensuring that they are

both committed and perceived to be committed to satisfying the needs of the citizens for policy

effectiveness.

Assuming that citizens perceptions reflect, to some extent, the reality of citizen-state relations in

the country, the South Sudanese government should focus on these key variables that emanate

from the citizen-state relationship in enhancing policy effectiveness (Natsios 2012). Upon

development, the policies should be communicated to citizens so that they remain well aware of

what they are expected to comply with. This communication should be done on time. Otherwise,

communication is one of the essential variables that affect citizens compliance with policies

hence policy effectiveness. Besides, the government should seek to ensure that it builds the

citizens trust on it.

 33

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