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Procedural rigidity vs. bureaucratic adaptability: A comparative analysis of formalization in new regions and parent regions

Tamalanrea: Journal of Government and Development (JGD) · Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025) · pp. 70–84

DOI
10.69816/jgd.v2i1.44653
ISSN
3047-4116
Published
2025-04-29
Publisher
Department of Government Science, Hasanuddin University
Language
en
License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0

Abstract

The wave of regional expansion in Indonesia has created new dynamics in the evolution of local government bureaucracy, especially in the balance between procedural formalization and organizational adaptability. This study analyzes the comparison of procedural rigidity versus bureaucratic adaptability between new autonomous regions (DOB) and parent regions in the context of the expansion of Buton Regency. Using a mixed methods design with a comparative case study approach, involving 270 respondents from Buton, South Buton, and Central Buton Regencies. Data were collected through structured surveys, in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The results showed that the Buton Regency showed the highest formalization (4.12) but the lowest adaptability (3.52), while both DOBs showed superior adaptability (3.94 and 3.87) with more moderate formalization. The parent region experienced a strong negative trade-off (r=-0.48) between formalization and adaptability, while DOB showed a more complex and less linear relationship. As a result, DOB managed to achieve a more optimal balance through fresh start advantage, while the parent region experienced institutional lock-in that hampered adaptability. This finding challenges the assumption that institutional maturity always contributes positively to organizational effectiveness.

Keywords

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Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jgd/oai, first harvested 2 Nov 2026, last seen 2 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc) 
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">Procedural rigidity vs. bureaucratic adaptability: A comparative analysis of formalization in new regions and parent regions</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Purna, Zarni Adia</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">bureaucratic formalization</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">organizational adaptability</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">new autonomous regions</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">comparative study</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">development</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">regional development</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">The wave of regional expansion in Indonesia has created new dynamics in the evolution of local government bureaucracy, especially in the balance between procedural formalization and organizational adaptability. This study analyzes the comparison of procedural rigidity versus bureaucratic adaptability between new autonomous regions (DOB) and parent regions in the context of the expansion of Buton Regency. Using a mixed methods design with a comparative case study approach, involving 270 respondents from Buton, South Buton, and Central Buton Regencies. Data were collected through structured surveys, in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The results showed that the Buton Regency showed the highest formalization (4.12) but the lowest adaptability (3.52), while both DOBs showed superior adaptability (3.94 and 3.87) with more moderate formalization. The parent region experienced a strong negative trade-off (r=-0.48) between formalization and adaptability, while DOB showed a more complex and less linear relationship. As a result, DOB managed to achieve a more optimal balance through fresh start advantage, while the parent region experienced institutional lock-in that hampered adaptability. This finding challenges the assumption that institutional maturity always contributes positively to organizational effectiveness.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Department of Government Science, Hasanuddin University</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2025-04-29</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
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	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jgd/article/view/44653</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.69816/jgd.v2i1.44653</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">Tamalanrea: Journal of Government and Development (JGD); Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): APRIL 2025; 70-84</dc:source>
	<dc:source>3047-4116</dc:source>
	<dc:source>10.69816/jgd.v2i1</dc:source>
	<dc:language>en</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jgd/article/view/44653/12919</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2025 Zarni Adia Purna</dc:rights>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0</dc:rights>
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