Sugar Regulatory Administration: A Study on Departmental Effectiveness and Operational Transparency for Strategic Enhancement

This study evaluated the effectiveness and operational transparency of the three major divisions under the Regulation Department Visayas of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA): the Sugar Regulation and Enforcement Division (SRED), Licensing and Monitoring Division (LMD), and Laboratory Services Division (LSD). Anchored on the Bureaucratic and Systems Theories of Management, the research employed a descriptive-correlational design using a validated survey questionnaire administered to 65 Regulation Department Visayas personnel. Departmental effectiveness was examined using dimensions such as purpose, roles, processes, relationships, problem-solving, commitment, and learning, which yielded excellent results overall. Operational transparency was also assessed through participation, information-sharing, and accountability, resulting in a very high overall rating. Findings revealed no significant differences in perceptions of effectiveness and transparency when demographic characteristics, including age, sex, educational attainment, employment status, and length of service, or by division grouped respondents. However, a significant relationship between departmental effectiveness and operational transparency was established. The results highlight transparency’s importance in enhancing organizational performance. The study aimed to identify performance gaps and support policy reforms and good governance initiatives within the SRA and other government agencies. It concludes with recommendations for improvement and reforms to promote sustainable development and public trust in the sugar industry.

Sugar Regulatory Administration, Bureaucratic Theory, Operational Transparency, Departmental Effectiveness

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