LAUSR

Structural analysis allows territories to review key variables in determining their current status and the path to be taken for the development of the region. Municipalities face great challenges and responsibilities with the communities they represent; actions intended to strengthen participative processes that guarantee appropriate use of both economic and human resources are required. This document examines three municipalities in the center region of Valle del Cauca department, Colombia, from the review of power variables, key variables, variables of autonomous areas and result variables. The objective is to analyze power variables, given their capacity to influence key variables of the system while having little or no dependence on other variables. The MIC MAC method was used, as well as semi-structured interviews, in order to qualify the influence/dependency matrix. The main findings show that the variables, such as public sector institutionalism, resourcing, public-private articulation and human resource are the most influential variables in the system and therefore, in the region. In regards to the other variables, it was found that some represent the objectives in public planning, and such objectives are reflected in government programs, and for this reason they have to be monitored on a permanent basis. Other variables serve the whole system and it is up to the administration to decide whether to include them or not in their development plans in order to strengthen the key variables. These variables should be considered for the success of the prospective strategic plans in public administration.