INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CHALLENGES OF PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS IN KAZAKHSTAN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52123/1994-2370-2025-1520Keywords:
public information officers, internal challenges, external challenges, Kazakhstan, local governmentAbstract
This phenomenological study aimed to explore the internal and external challenges PIOs face in their daily professional activities. Moreover, Kazakhstan’s post-Soviet legacy and distinct cultural characteristics shape local government communication practices. Understanding these challenges may contribute to improving both internal and external communication within akimats, thereby enhancing their value to stakeholders. This study employed in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 17 senior PIOs from Almaty Oblast akimats. Interviews were conducted either face-to-face or via Zoom, in Russian or Kazakh, depending on participant preferences. The findings revealed that internal challenges included: (1) unclear definitions of PIO rights and responsibilities; (2) slow intra-departmental information exchange; (3) rigid hierarchical structures; and (4) fear of decision-making responsibility. Additional internal obstacles included inadequate working conditions, insufficiently qualified staff, and outdated technical equipment. External challenges included: (1) low public trust in government institutions—manifesting as distrust, suspicion, and citizen reluctance to engage in dialogue; and (2) strained relations with mainstream media—characterized by adversarial journalists, sensationalist coverage, and challenges ensuring accurate representation of official information.
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