The Issue of Small Municipalities - The Possibility of Applying the Principles of Socially Responsible Management

Abstract

The problem of efficient and socially responsible management of small municipalities is a discussed topic in many countries of the world. Applying the concept of social responsibility in the management of self-government strengthens the image, increases transparency and contributes to the interest of citizens in governance in self-government. The aim of the paper is to analyze the problems of small municipalities in Slovakia and abroad, and to propose partial solutions mainly in the economic and administrative area based on the principles of social responsibility, inter-municipal cooperation and possible positive impacts on management due to economies of scale. As small municipalities are unable to take advantage of the effects of economies of scale, certain activities (mainly municipal administration) are more expensive than larger ones. However, before the idea of ​​merging municipalities is approached, it is first necessary to apply tools that will enable municipalities to perform certain activities cheaper, faster, or of better quality. The essence of these tools must be based on mutual cooperation, specialization, joint use of human, material, and financial resources and subsequent use of the effects that such cooperation brings (including marketing - improving the image of the community, improving communication channels, benchmarking, etc.).