Ethics and ethos aspects in the Hungarian pilot
Strengthening local democracy was also a pronounced goal of the Hungarian pilot. We summarized the background of the attitude change in the following table.
| Models | Old | New |
| Main approach | Paternalist, bureaucratic (authoritarian) | Co-creative, democratic |
| Direction of initiatives | top-down | bottom-up |
| Decision on tasks and services | Same to be completed by all service users, matched to the needs and opportunities of an average household | Personalized tasks and services, tailored to individual needs and opportunities |
| Execution of tasks | Based on central plan and directives | Based on individual or collective decision and plan |
| Role of service users | Passive, accepting, client role | Active, initiating, partner or occasionally, entrepreneurial role |
| Methods of service providers | Governing, directing, controlling | Counselling, changing experience, consultation |
Questions and tasks:
Compare the two models above! What effects can the model change have on the functioning of the local democracy?
Please, watch the following video:
Questions and tasks:
A) In this new form of cooperation, what kind of new connections are developed between service provider and service user?
B) Why can co-creation be a challenge for local leaders?
C) What effects can such a development have on the operation of the local community and relationships between its members?