Cooperation among governmental actors : impact on public information and communication campaigns

Linda Gobbo Jakobsone, School for International Training

Abstract

The study aims to answer the research question What factors have promoted effective cooperation among the governmental institutions involved in the governmental information and communication campaign on Latvia's membership in the European Union? In order to answer the question, an analytical case study on the Coordination Working Group on Public Awareness Building on Latvia's Membership in the European Union (EU) is used. In order to address the above-mentioned research question, relevant literature dealing with three specific aspects is reviewed: the need for government communication, factors that promote effective work in teams, and particularities of these factors in government teams. Data collection methods include participant observation, review of official documents, review of models of intergovernmental cooperation in other EU member states, and interviews of members of the Coordination Group. Research findings show that a government coordination group can achieve high performance results, as well as promote the personal growth of its members, if it uses the teamwork approach. Its success depends, among other things, on the political framework, an understanding of the role of government communication, and the resources provided. But, even more important, it depends on a feeling of purpose and high professionalism among the communication specialists and members of the group. I hope that the findings of this research will be applied in further coordination work of the Latvian government's information and communication campaigns.