AN ANALYSIS OF THE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN DECENTRALIZED AUTONOMOUS ORGANIZATIONS (DAOs) AND GOVERNANCE FROM A PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), built upon blockchain technology, have emerged as a novel governance model that distributes decision-making authority across participatory networks rather than relying on hierarchical processes. This study theoretically evaluates the DAO phenomenon from the perspective of public administration and examines the model’s transformative capacity concerning governance theory and practice. Furthermore, adopting an integrative approach, the study develops a five-dimensional analytical framework: participation, transparency, accountability, efficiency, and legitimacy. For each dimension, the paper discusses a triad comprising the theoretical promise of the DAO model, the patterns observed in the literature and practical cases, and its structural limitations. The findings indicate that DAOs possess robust potential in the dimensions of transparency and efficiency; however, in terms of participation, accountability, and democratic legitimacy, they face structural challenges, such as the plutocratic tendency of token-weighted voting and the absence of legal recognition. In this context, the central thesis of this study posits that the DAO model should be evaluated as a complement to the existing e-governance architecture rather than a substitute. Ultimately, the study reveals that while DAOs hold significant potential—particularly in local-scale, narrow-purpose, and participatory budgeting-style processes—fundamental barriers exist regarding legitimacy, accountability, and legal recognition that hinder macro-level substitution.