Organizational behavior in responding to Special Autonomy Policy in the emerging market: Governance and regulatory challenges in a conflict-prone region

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Abstract

This study investigates the ineffective implementation of the Special Autonomy Policy (Otsus) in Papua, driven by organizational behavior (OB), leadership dynamics, and governance challenges within local institutions. The research aims to analyze how internal governance processes and external socio-political contexts influence policy outcomes in a conflict-prone region. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), participatory observation, and document analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of local governance dynamics. Findings reveal that the effectiveness of Otsus is shaped by internal factors such as leadership quality, institutional capacity, and bureaucratic performance, alongside external factors including fragmented socio-political conditions and Papua’s unique socio-cultural context. Key governance challenges include weak inter-agency coordination, regulatory misalignment, overlapping authority between central and regional governments, and internal bureaucratic resistance. These issues contribute to jurisdictional ambiguity, governance inefficiencies, and declining public trust. The study concludes that improving Otsus implementation requires inclusive, context-sensitive policy approaches that integrate local traditions, cultural diversity, and community participation. This research contributes to the broader discourse on governance and public policy, offering practical insights for enhancing policy effectiveness and refining autonomy frameworks in conflict-prone and decentralized regions.

Keywords: Organizational Behavior, Special Autonomy Policy, Governance Challenges, Policy Implementation, Papua Decentralization

Authors’ individual contribution: Conceptualization — B.T. and A.P.T.; Methodology — B.T. and Y.O.; Validation — B.T. and A.P.T.; Formal Analysis — P.R. and Y.O.; Investigation — B.T. and A.P.T.; Resources — P.R. and Y.O.; Data Curation — B.T. and P.R.; Writing — B.T., A.P.T., P.R., and Y.O.; Supervision — B.T. and A.P.T.; Project Administration — A.P.T. and P.R.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: D23, D74, G30

Received: 26.04.2025
Revised: 09.08.2025; 01.09.2025; 25.11.2025
Accepted: 16.12.2025
Published online: 19.12.2025

How to cite this paper: Tambaip, B., Tjilen, A. P., Riyanto, P., & Ohoiwutun, Y. (2026). Organizational behavior in responding to Special Autonomy Policy in the emerging market: Governance and regulatory challenges in a conflict-prone region. Journal of Governance & Regulation, 15(1), 8–19. https://doi.org/10.22495/jgrv15i1art1