Analysis of the Organizational and Functional Structure and Its Impact on the Administrative Efficiency of the Intercultural Decentralized Autonomous Municipal Government of the Saquisilí Canton, Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Abstract

The study analyzed the influence of the organizational-functional structure on the administrative efficiency of the Intercultural Municipal Autonomous Decentralized Government of Saquisilí. A mixed-methods approach, predominantly quantitative, was applied through a non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design. Participants included 33 municipal employees, 42 citizens, and eight authorities or institutional managers. Data were collected through surveys, semi-structured interviews, and document review. The instruments obtained Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.891 and 0.864. The organizational-functional structure showed a strong positive relationship with administrative efficiency (rho = 0.684; p < 0.001). A significant association between the categories of both variables was also confirmed (χ² = 18.742; p = 0.001). The main weaknesses were an outdated organizational structure, limited role clarity, insufficient coordination, uneven workloads, and delays perceived by citizens. The findings support a comprehensive update based on process management, clear responsibilities, stronger technical units, digitalization, and performance evaluation. Improving the institutional structure is therefore essential for a more agile, coordinated, and citizen-oriented municipal administration.