Cognitive evaluation theory (CET) suggests that external reward can have two functional aspects: an informational aspect and a controlling aspect. CET further suggests that external reward encourages intrinsic motivation when it is perceived as an informational aspect while it discourages when it is perceived as controlling one. CET underscores the importance of the social context of external reward for the facilitation or undermining of intrinsic motivation.

“Performance Evaluation System (P.E.S.),” as a tool of public management to adapt to this situation, has been introduced into all the prefecture governments and is now spreading rapidly to the municipal governments. It is not, however, always functioning effectively under the existing highly centralized structure of organization. But Shizuoka prefecture government, which is known as one of the pioneers of the flat organizational system, has started to decentralize organizational structure in conjunction with P.E.S.

This article focuses on the effects of decentralized organizational structure in conjunction with P.E.S. as social contexts for enhancing intrinsic motivation by using a simultaneous analysis in multiple populations with structural equation modeling. To examine our proposition, we have based this article on the job enrichment research framework by Hackman & Lawler and Hackman & Oldham.

In recent years, the advance in globalization has caused regional divide and the hollowing out of industry; many local areas have fallen into decline. In such a situation, various activities targeting regional improvement have attracted attention, such as implementing business techniques and utilizing local resources. This paper attempts to comprehend social innovation in local and regional territories toward the solution of local problems using innovative changes to realize new structures and create new added values, with positive social and economical effects.

A case study analysis on an agricultural cooperative and the adaptation of the basic structural model were considered after completing theoretical studies on topics such as the social economy, the concept of social innovation in local and regional territories, and the basic structural model. It was observed that the attempt at local production for local consumption, focusing on food utilizing local resources, contributed to local revitalization.

It is becoming increasingly important to protect historic buildings and other related cultural properties for local identity, regional development, and tourism. This trend gave a rise to the revision of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties (enacted in 1950) and the enactment of the Landscape Law (2004). However, it is still difficult to take appropriate measures for protection of historic buildings and their surrounding environment. This study examines the nationwide implementation of the Landscape Law, with detailed case studies. We concluded that concerns of residents about the restriction of private land rights and possible decline of land prices due to regulations can be alleviated by implementation of these laws, but that quantitative evaluation of the effects of these policies and active involvement of experts are necessary.

Population decrease requires a reorganization of urban structure. Relocation of urban facilities and development of public transport systems are both indispensable for achieving compact and sustainable cities. This paper proposes a new decision support method for facility relocation planning based on spatial optimization. Multiple plans of facility relocation are derived by solving spatial optimization problems. The plans are quantitatively evaluated by summary statistics and graphically visualized by maps. Interpretation of tables and maps permits us to understand the relationship between the distribution of facilities and their users. This leads us to compare and evaluate a wide variety of facility planning that includes not only the closure of existing facilities but also their extension, development of complex facilities and improvement of transport accessibility. The method is applied to the relocation planning of elementary schools in an urban area of Japan. This paper illustrates a concrete usage of the method proposed and provides empirical findings.