지방재정분석의 순위결정요인 분석과 자치단체 유형화

Abstract

This paper explores the determinants of ranking in the local fiscal analysis for Korean local governments using the data of 2006-2007. We empirically tests whether the rankings are systematically affected by exogenous factors, which are difficult for local governments' officials to improve in the shorn run. These include population, fiscal capacity, budget size, service area size, and so on. Using a stepwise regression, we select the determinants of the rankings and observe that they are different among the types of local governments, such as cities (Si), counties (Gun), and autonomous districts (Gu). With relatively low explanatory power of the regression results and the inconsistent selection of the variable by the model, we conclude that there are little evidence of a systematic relationship between rankings and exogenous factors. Even though there are few consistent factors to determine the ranking, we try to persuade that it is necessary to categorize local governments. The reasoning of categorization is to complement the omitted characteristics of local governments in comparison with others and to establish acceptable standards. Based on our empirical results and international experiences, we suggest yardsticks to categorize local governments.