The role of local leaders in regional development funding: Evidence from an elite survey
基于阿尔巴尼亚市长精英调查数据，研究市长通过正式领导力（增加申请数量）和非正式网络（提高成功率）获取区域发展资金的机制，政治权力也起关键作用。
Abstract Many postsocialist countries are run by an elite with links to the socialist legacy and often share similar challenges and issues. We investigate formal and informal factors shaping the role of mayors in accessing regional development funds in Albania, a postsocialist country. With data from one of the largest elite (mayors) survey, we analyze both channels of influence of the mayors: the number of applications and the success rate. We find that mayors bring their communities more funds using formal leadership qualities that intensify the number of submissions. On the other hand, informal leadership remains important in explaining the success rate, as by using networking channels leaders enhance the probability to get financed. Political power is also decisive in the process.