| Summary/Abstract |
In societies where formal institutions are absent or weak, informal institutions
are found to serve as mechanisms that enhance government
accountability. Pertinent research on China has come up with similar
findings. But two issues have not been adequately addressed in existing
research. One is the relationship between formal and informal institutions
in shaping government behavior if both types of institutions exist.
The other is the factors that affect the (re)emergence of informal institutions.
Based on a survey of about 800 villages in Guangdong province,
this article shows that the existence of both formal and informal institutions
may enhance government accountability in the provision of public
goods. Factors such as community history and practical needs
contribute to the (re)emergence of informal institutions.
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