PERCEPTION AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR IN CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: ITS IMPACT ON PUBLIC MANAGEMENT IN PERU

Abstract

This study systematically examines the connection between citizen perception, social behavior, and participation, as well as its effect on public management in Peru, through a PRISMA review of the academic literature in Scopus and Web of Science published between 2017 and 2025 (reasonably including prior evidence). Original articles, reviews, and academic chapters in English and Spanish that dealt with participation, perception, and/or social behavior in Peruvian or similar public management contexts were considered; Non-academic texts, those without full access or that did not align thematically were excluded. A total of 23 records were identified, of which 22 were included in the qualitative analysis (excluding an irrelevant clinical record), with 14 meeting the temporal criterion and 8 incorporated as antecedents. The results point to five key factors that can transform perception and, in turn, foster participatory
behavior: (1) fairness in processes with clear rules for aggregation and prioritization; (2) reduction of the administrative burden (time, procedures, uncertainty) and communication of benefits; (3) professional assistance with a gender perspective and inclusion; (4) multi-channel access and promotion of digital and territorial inclusion to avoid exclusions in online participation; and (5) follow-up of contributions and public feedback that demonstrate real impact. Evidence in sectors such as sustainability, tourism, and public space management indicates improvements in standards of use, compliance, and acceptance when participation has clear attributions (e.g., citizen committees and public inspections). Together, optimizing these factors increases the perception of openness, equity, and usefulness, promotes sustainable and effective participation, and improves the quality of decision-making, legitimacy, and
performance of public policies in Peru.