The relationship between informational policy and the changes in social capital: central and peripherical differences in Lithuania

Abstract

This article analyses the problems of interaction between Lithuanian municipalities and nongovernmental organisations from the angle of relationship between informational policy and the changes in social capital. The article is basaed on the research by the authors conducted in Vilnius city and Ukmergė district in 2006-2007 and 2010. The article not only provides the insufficient level of social capital at the interaction of municipalities and non-governmental organizations but also presents the measures to improve it by promoting higher level of interaction, enhancing the potential of non-governmental organisations, and reducing the asymmetrical information. Asymmetrical information was bigger problem in Ukmergė district than in Vilnius city. NCOs in Vilnius city were characterised as having more independence and variety of activities as well as having more critical approach to municipal administration and politicians. The relations in Vilnius between municipalitiues and NCO's were more of horizontal relationship and thus resembled New Public Management, while in Ukmergė district relations had vertical direction and resembled more of traditional hierarchical administration model. The situation of 2010, if compare with 2006 2007, showed almost the similar positions with slight improvement in Ukmergė district and decline in Vilnius city.