The Nexus of Citizen Participation and Value for Money in Procurement of Works: The Moderating and Mediating Role of Perceived Value

Aim: Although citizen participation has been widely studied, few studies assess the moderating and mediating role of perceived value in enhancing value for money in project procurement. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between citizen participation, perceived value, and value for money in the procurement of works within local government institutions. Methods: Drawing on the theory of citizen participation, the study proposes a research model through which citizen participation influences value for money. The study model was validated using primary data from the field survey of 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) through questionnaires. The informants included executive management members of MMDAs and citizen representatives who are assembly members. Results: Using the Smart PLS-SEM analytical tool, a significant finding was that perceived value positively and significantly moderates and mediates the relationship between citizen participation (CP) and value for money (VfM). The study provides theoretical contributions to the theory of citizen participation (TCP) literature and managerial contributions to direct public officials and local community development partners to understand the roles of citizens who perceive value to achieve value for money in project procurement. Conclusion: Empirical evidence demonstrates that perceived value has a moderate positive and significant influence on the relationship between citizen participation and value for money. Recommendation: Citizens should be involved in local government decisions regarding project procurement if value for money is to be achieved.