Showing papers in "Public Money & Management in 2015"
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between public service motivation (PSM) and employee wellbeing depends on the societal impact potential (SIP) through the job and organizational type, and whether PSM relates positively depends on institutional logics.
Abstract: This paper reveals that the relationship between public service motivation (PSM) and employee wellbeing depends on the societal impact potential (SIP) through the job and organizational type. In people-changing organizations, PSM relates to higher burnout and lower job satisfaction when SIP is high: employees sacrifice themselves too much for society. However, in people-processing organizations, low SIP relates to higher burnout and lower job satisfaction: employees experience frustration if they cannot contribute. This shows that whether PSM relates positively depends on institutional logics.
96 citations
TL;DR: The UK central government has changed accountability and audit arrangements for local government in England, while retaining its approach to setting annual budgets within the context of multi-year spending reviews as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: This paper explains how the UK central government has changed accountability and audit arrangements for local government in England, while retaining its approach to setting annual budgets within the context of multi-year spending reviews. It highlights how dismantling the institutions and processes that monitored outputs and outcomes for spending, such as public service agreements and comprehensive area assessment, meant that top-down accountability became focused overwhelmingly on financial conformance rather than organizational performance for local government. Supplementary reforms to increase the transparency or ‘visibility’ of public administration, and thereby enable greater bottom-up accountability, have resulted in a performance assessment system that is neither rigorous nor standardized. The overall result is a weakening of local accountability arrangements.
56 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the practices which may effectively determine public disvalue in the sense of "public value destruction" in the Italian public sector, focusing on the factors that determine public value, and how new public value has been created by the management of assets and properties seized from mafia organizations.
Abstract: Public value is a constant feature in public management studies. This paper examines the practices which may effectively determine public disvalue in the sense of ‘public value destruction’. The authors present empirical evidence from the Italian public sector, focusing on the factors that determine public disvalue, and how new public value has been created by the management of assets and properties seized from mafia organizations.
49 citations
TL;DR: This paper investigated the relationship between public service motivation (PSM) and employee performance by adopting a notion of performance which incorporates extra-role behaviours, such as the propensity to engage in unpaid overtime, organizational citizenship behaviours, absenteeism and organizational deviance.
Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between public service motivation (PSM) and employee performance by adopting a notion of performance which incorporates extra-role behaviours, such as the propensity to engage in unpaid overtime, organizational citizenship behaviours, absenteeism and organizational deviance. It does so in an underexplored part of the public sector, namely prisons. As well as providing new explanatory mechanisms for understanding the outcomes of PSM behaviour and exposing the dark side of PSM, this paper contributes to debates about the significance of PSM and the consequences of its absence.
47 citations
TL;DR: The success of process redesign methodologies is found to be highly dependent on these performance-based human resource management (HRM) practices.
Abstract: A systematic literature review identified 41 studies, including four reviews, reporting on process redesign interventions in hospitals. Success factors for the changes included mechanisms to facilitate participation throughout the process, clearly documented protocols and expectations for the health professionals which were supported by education, mechanisms to audit and provide feedback on behaviours and performance, as well as being able to hold the participating health professionals accountable. The success of process redesign methodologies is found to be highly dependent on these performance-based human resource management (HRM) practices.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparison of the role of change agents in seven Dutch public procurement projects shows that change agents play an important role in sustainable procurement projects and help project teams progress towards sustainable procurement.
Abstract: In the procurement process the decisions of project teams determine if the potential of sustainable procurement is attained. To optimize this, project teams should be encouraged to adopt new behaviour. The academic literature awards an encouraging role to the change agent. A comparison of the role of change agents in seven Dutch public procurement projects shows that change agents play an important role in sustainable procurement projects and help project teams progress towards sustainable procurement.
39 citations
TL;DR: The authors show that climate change is a "wicked" problem, which presents multiple challenges for public management, and that these challenges are already with us, but are likely to increase in the short and medium terms, possibly very rapidly.
Abstract: This paper shows that climate change is a ‘wicked’ problem, which presents multiple challenges for public management. These challenges are already with us, but are likely to increase in the short and medium terms, possibly very rapidly. Academic public management research appears to have been slow to address these issues. Yet potentially there are several strong points of contact between climate change issues and current public management research themes. This will, however, require interdisciplinary and international approaches.
38 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors outline key facets of philanthropy, as expressed through philanthropic foundations and trusts, that require further exploration within networked governance debates: our limited understanding of the philanthropy and of foundations; the increasingly neoliberal discourse of and on philanthropy; and the extent of the potential and achievements.
Abstract: While philanthropy is widely seen as a way of filling the void left by cuts in public services, reflective debates on philanthropy, its roles and challenges, are rare. The authors outline key facets of philanthropy, as expressed through philanthropic foundations and trusts, that require further exploration within networked governance debates: our limited understanding of philanthropy and of philanthropic foundations; the increasingly neoliberal discourse of and on philanthropy; and the extent of philanthropy's potential and achievements.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that given liquid and efficient markets for government debt, a policy in which the provision of public finance is combined with enhanced risk-bearing by private financiers is likely to be optimal.
Abstract: The global financial crisis had a major impact on the cost and availability of finance for infrastructure-based public–private partnerships (PPPs). In response, policy-makers have introduced models of ‘credit-enhancement’ that aim to reduce the risk faced by private investors and attract additional capital into the market. Other policies involve hybrid structures in which public capital substitutes for private finance. The emergence of capital constraints in recent years has resulted from increased sensitivity among investors to liquidity risks and capital adequacy regulations, rather than credit risks. Models of credit-enhancement therefore fail to target the source of the problem directly and distort incentive structures. Given liquid and efficient markets for government debt, the authors conclude that a policy in which the provision of public finance is combined with enhanced risk-bearing by private financiers is likely to be optimal.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors depart from this simple public/private dichotomy by empirically examining a rich set of contractual arrangements and find that infrastructure characteristics, particularly those that reflect "stand alone" versus network characteristics, are key factors influencing the extent of private participation.
Abstract: Numerous studies have examined the determinants of private participation in infrastructure projects. We depart from this simple public/private dichotomy by empirically examining a rich set of contractual arrangements. Infrastructure characteristics, particularly those that reflect ‘stand alone’ versus network characteristics, are key factors influencing the extent of private participation. Fiscal variables as well as basic controls, such as population and locality of government, increase the degree of private participation. A greater tax burden reduces private participation.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the impact of a public procurement program designed to encourage small and micro businesses (SMBs) in Brazil to take part in public procurement auctions and find that the program had no effect on contracted prices.
Abstract: The authors assess the impact of a public procurement programme designed to encourage small and micro businesses (SMBs) in Brazil to take part in public procurement auctions. The programme had no effect on contracted prices. However, SMBs were more likely to have their contracts terminated as a result of poor performance. Implications for theory and for practice internationally are discussed in this paper.
TL;DR: The authors examines the distinctive character of PPJVs and draws on documentary and case study evidence to evaluate the ways in which the mixing of public and private within this important collaborative form can be managed best.
Abstract: The use of public–private partnerships (PPPs) is one of the most distinctive features of strategic management in the public sector. One of the most significant, yet understudied, forms of PPP to emerge in recent years is the public–private joint venture (PPJV). Unlike contractual PPPs, in which public organizations specify the service to be provided under contract by private sector organizations, PPJVs involve the creation of a new institutional entity that is governed by all of the parties in the alliance. This paper examines the distinctive character of PPJVs and draws on documentary and case study evidence to evaluate the ways in which the mixing of public and private within this important collaborative form can be managed best.
TL;DR: In this paper, Dyadic mentoring theory is used to classify three role sets that buyers are willing to use in order to develop small firms and distinguish budget holders from traditional buyers in terms of how and what processes they are willing using to develop SMEs.
Abstract: Research consistently shows that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle with public procurement processes The aim of this paper is to extend the research agenda using the lens of supplier development Dyadic mentoring theory is used to classify three role sets that buyers are willing to use in order to develop small firms This paper's findings distinguish budget holders from traditional buyers in terms of how and what processes they are willing to use to develop SMEs Role theory is used in the paper to explain the different mentor behaviours
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the use of performance information in budgetary decision-making during a fiscal crisis in the Estonian case and concluded that performance information will not be used for making budgetary decisions due to time pressure, the political nature of the budgetary process, and limited analytical capacities.
Abstract: This paper explores the use of performance information in budgetary decision-making during fiscal crisis. The theoretical part of the paper explains the markedly different predictions produced by the main theoretical approaches: agency theory, incrementalism, and interactive-dialogue theory. The empirical study of the Estonian case demonstrates that, in a fiscal crisis, performance information will not be used for making budgetary decisions due to time pressure, the political nature of the budgetary process, and limited analytical capacities. Lessons are given for international practice and future research.
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of SMEs' reported experiences of policy implementation was conducted, with micro-enterprises more negative than small or medium-sized enterprises, indicating that policy implementation has been limited.
Abstract: SME-friendly policies are central to public procurement. The extent to which these policies have been put into practice has gone largely untested, particularly from a SME perspective. To address this gap a survey of SMEs’ reported experiences of policy implementation was conducted. Ireland served as the research context. The findings indicate that policy implementation has been limited. Firm size is found to be a significant predictor of SMEs’ experiences, with micro-enterprises more negative than small or medium-sized enterprises. Reasons for the observed policy-practice divide as well as recommendations for its improvement are discussed.
TL;DR: The Allan Barton memorial lecture of 2013 as discussed by the authors pointed out that Australia's public finance legislation reinforces the need for public accountability, but through delegated regulatory powers terms such as accountability and public accountability are undergoing subtle reinterpretation.
Abstract: Allan Barton held strong views about governmental accounting reforms that failed to recognize the unique characteristics of the public sector, particularly the need for public accountability. The Allan Barton memorial lecture of 2013, developed in this paper, pointed out that Australia's public finance legislation reinforces the need for public accountability, but through delegated regulatory powers terms such as accountability and public accountability are undergoing subtle reinterpretation. At issue is whether IFRS should apply to all governments, and whether government departments should be viewed as not publicly accountable and therefore permitted reduced disclosures in their published financial reports.
TL;DR: The authors presented a new approach to valuing public services, using the example of the Municipal Library of Prague (MLP), using the contingent valuation method with a focus on library users' willingness to pay for individual library services.
Abstract: To allocate public resources efficiently, governments need accurate information about the performance and effectiveness of public institutions. This paper presents a new approach to valuing public services, using the example of the Municipal Library of Prague (MLP). The contingent valuation method was used with a focus on library users’ willingness to pay for individual library services. The result is an overview of the perceived value of the MLP's services and its return on public investment. The proposed methodology could be used for other public services, such as healthcare or education.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the Social Value Act 2012 can be an additional spur to address women's underrepresentation in the construction industry, contributing to reducing occupational gender segregation, which is a factor in the persistent gender pay gap.
Abstract: Public authorities in the UK are only starting to become aware of the requirement of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 to consider additional economic, social and environmental benefits in the commissioning of services. This article argues, based on a pilot study of the Women into Construction project in London, that the legislation can be an additional spur to address women's under-representation in the construction industry, contributing to reducing occupational gender segregation, which is a factor in the persistent gender pay gap.
TL;DR: In this paper, the internal dynamics of local partnerships and the interactions between state and non-state actors in these governance networks are investigated. But the state's authoritative role creates asymmetries in governance networks which make the theoretical conceptualization of governance questionable.
Abstract: Partnerships, as a form of governance, involve state and non-state actors in networks which are increasingly being employed in the formulation and implementation of public policy This paper focuses on the internal dynamics of local partnerships and offers insights into the interactions between state and non-state actors in these governance networks The state's authoritative role creates asymmetries in governance networks which make the theoretical conceptualization of governance questionable
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that value for money is an elastic term with a confused meaning, and they identify and discuss four specific problems with value-for-money (VfM) as a global measure of public effectiveness.
Abstract: Defining and measuring effectiveness at the organizational level is complex. At the very least, there is conflict over competing organizational objectives, the impact of programmes and projects and also the linkages between them. Specific approaches are used to capture effectiveness including goal-based, resource-based and internal efficiency perspectives (Daft, 2006; Jones, 2010). In public management, value for money (VfM) is an umbrella concept that attempts to capture all three dimensions of effectiveness simultaneously. This article argues that VfM is an elastic term with a confused meaning. Is it these very characteristics that explain its perseverance and legitimacy as a global measure of public effectiveness? Given the absence of a commonly-understood global definition, this article identifies and discusses four specific problems with VfM.
TL;DR: English sub-national governance is fragmented, embracing regions, city regions and local government as mentioned in this paper, subject to ad hoc initiatives, with no overall rationale, and there has been little political incentive to address the nature of English subnational governance.
Abstract: English sub-national governance is fragmented, embracing regions, city regions and local government. This complex pattern of sub-national provision has grown ever more varied, subject to ad hoc initiatives, with no overall rationale. There has been little political incentive to address the nature of English sub-national governance. This paper examines component elements of English governance and draws conclusions about prospects for change.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine performance management systems in local governments in Victoria, Australia and Sardinia, Italy and show that without a robust compliance-related performance management information system in place, council choices around new strategic investments are dubious at best.
Abstract: Effective performance measurement and management is a cornerstone of contemporary public sector management. As governments at all levels decide on the most appropriate allocation of resources and the means by which services are delivered, they need to know the impact of their decisions over time. Building basic compliance-related information systems provides the basis on which governments, especially at the local government level, can make informed strategic choices about local issues. This paper examines performance management systems in local governments in Victoria, Australia and Sardinia, Italy. Without a robust compliance-related performance management information system in place, council choices around new strategic investments are dubious at best.
TL;DR: The authors's so-called impact agenda has been criticised for generating more "endarkenment" (to use Weiss's term) than "enlightenment" by the British civil service The authors.
Abstract: How policy-makers engage with academics is both a current ‘hot’ topic and a perennial problem. Policy initiatives such as the Research Excellence Framework's (REF) so-called ‘impact agenda’ have ‘pushed’ academics towards seeking more such engagement, whilst others ‘pull’ towards it, such as ‘open policy-making’. Apart from some biographical accounts and case studies, surprisingly little is known at a more general level about how policy-makers do actually engage with academic research and expertise. Analysis of these policies, as well as empirical evidence from the British civil service, suggest these engagements may be generating more ‘endarkenment’ (to use Weiss's term) than enlightenment.
TL;DR: The authors presented a rational choice-based model which includes three motivational dimensions: extrinsic, enjoyment-based intrinsic and prosocial intrinsic to predict public service motivation (PSM) as the only motivational factor predicting public job choice.
Abstract: While most previous research has considered public service motivation (PSM) as the only motivational factor predicting (public) job choice, the authors present a novel, rational choice-based model which includes three motivational dimensions: extrinsic, enjoyment-based intrinsic and prosocial intrinsic. Besides providing more accurate person-job fit predictions, this new approach fills a significant research gap and facilitates future theory building.
TL;DR: Complex government relates to many factors: the size and multi-level nature of government; the proliferation of rules, regulations and public bodies; a crowded arena with blurry boundaries.
Abstract: ‘Complex government’ relates to many factors: the size and multi-level nature of government; the proliferation of rules, regulations and public bodies; a crowded arena with blurry boundaries betwee...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined what local government leaders might do to achieve more major cost-saving innovations and suggested the most important actions local government leader might take to successfully implement more significant innovations more quickly.
Abstract: This paper examines what local government leaders might do to achieve more major cost-saving innovations. It brings together the findings from four UK studies on what encourages innovation in councils, covering the perspectives of council chief executives, frontline employees, political leaders and middle managers. It discusses the similarities and the differences between different groups’ views. It suggests the most important actions local government leaders might take to successfully implement more significant innovations more quickly.
TL;DR: In this paper, the extent to which price is the determining factor in the procurement of audit services was examined and it was found that 72% of municipalities chose audit firms with the lowest bid.
Abstract: This paper examines the extent to which price is the determining factor in the procurement of audit services. In Sweden, 72% of municipalities chose audit firms with the lowest bid. Both political competition and competition between audit firms were found to affect whether price was the decisive criterion or not.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explain differences in expenditure per capita by differences in income and services, and argue that the financial capacity of local councils is a function of the income level of the local community and not of its size or population.
Abstract: As many readers of Public Money & Management know, the New South Wales (NSW) government is planning large amalgamations of councils, especially within metropolitan Sydney, motivated in large part by a quest for financial savings. The historically weak financial results of many councils in Sydney have been largely a function of the regulatory environment, notably rate-pegging, and reflect recent changes in financial accounting benchmarks. More fundamentally, the financial capacity of local councils is a function of the income level of the local community and not of its size or population. In this paper, the authors explain differences in expenditure per capita by differences in income and services. Larger councils will not improve financial capacity.
TL;DR: A new performance evaluation system to be used to plan, monitor and evaluate the Italian public healthcare authorities’ results and support policy-making is designed and tested.
Abstract: The objective of the work described in this paper was to design and test a new performance evaluation system to be used to plan, monitor and evaluate the Italian public healthcare authorities’ results and support policy-making. After examining the weak points in existing models and researching the published academic literature, the new system was developed by researchers from different backgrounds and with the involvement of practitioners. The paper illustrates the importance of a continuous interactive process in designing effective performance evaluation and monitoring systems.
TL;DR: The 20-year-old budget law has been revised to give greater power to the legislature and re-orienting annual budgeting to a multi-year fiscal framework as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: China's 20-year-old budget law has been revised to give greater power to the legislature and re-orient annual budgeting to a multi-year fiscal framework. In addition, provincial governments are now able to issue bonds. If the goals of these reform measures are realized, the institutional foundations for China's fiscal policy and management will be substantially strengthened. However, the authors are concerned that the authorities may have underestimated the technical challenges involved.