The Authority of the Municipal Authorities as Component of Social Capital in Context of Inequalities in Development at the Local Level

Abstract

The paper presents the issue of the impact of authority of the municipal local government on socio-economic development of local communities. It attempts to answer the question about the direction and magnitude of the impact of the authority of the municipal government on shaping development disparities in local socio-territorial systems. The empirical basis for analyzes and characteristics included in article are the results of research conducted in 2012 in the municipalities of Podkarpackie voivodeship that were placed on extreme positions on the scale of the socio-economic development. The study focused on recognizing the relationship between the level of authority of municipalities and the level of development of local communities revealed among other things, the importance of the role of local government representatives as local leaders whose important feature is the ability to network cooperation, create coalitions, mobilize internal resources mainly for development acceleration, thereby reducing inequalities and disparities at the local level. Analysis of the results confirmed the thesis that authority as an important social resource and a source of legitimacy of actions of municipal authorities, favors prodevelopment activities of local communities. In a broader perspective recognition of the role of local government’s authority in the devel-opment of rural communities can contribute to consolidation of a new perspective on local government, which will be based on the authority and effective leadership required for effective and dynamic development of local communities. In the context of systemic changes that are occurring for over two decades in the Polish countryside essential is the existence and development of social resources that increase the absorption capacity of new solutions and development impulses and may be the basis for social integration, cooperation and participation. Endowed with authority, respect and trust, efficient and competent municipal local authorities and active local community decisively help to increase the growth potential of the countryside.