Shaping public service delivery : a hybrid governance approach in the Lebanese public education sector

Abstract

There is a difference in the public perception of the quality of education between private and public schools in Lebanon. Moreover, there is inequity in education outcomes between public and private schools. These differences pose a serious question regarding the quality-of-service delivery within the public education sector in Lebanon that needs to be investigated especially in the light of the recent Lebanese economic crises that has left many below the poverty lines and is creating shifts in the citizens’ behaviour and demands towards public services. Contemporary models of governance have been advocating towards New Public Management, more partnerships, decentralization and cooperation. Moreover, more recent literature is calling for new modes of governance that are results based, cooperative and multi-levelled. Given the current Lebanese scenario there is a need for an improved public education service delivery as a responsive measure towards meeting the changing demands of citizens. Lebanon can apply a multi-levelled governance approach which is decentralized and participatory across several levels. This study proposes a model that advocates the: (1) utilization of current enablers existing in the sector such as delegating certain decision making powers to the Regional Education Offices beyond what they currently have and; (2) the creation of community based committees that form regional school-boards springing from a local level - all whilst ensuring proper system oversight through a regulatory framework and an autonomous regulatory body on a central level. There is room for a multi-levelled board within the Ministry of Education and higher Education which can help bridge the relationship between the central and noncentral levels.