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Analysing public service outsourcing: The value of a regulatory perspective

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  • Ian Cunningham
  • Philip James

Abstract

This article draws on findings from two longitudinal case studies of voluntary organisations engaged in delivering social care services via purchaser–provider relations with local authorities. The study focuses on changes to contractual relations, employment conditions in provider organisations and service quality. The article argues the influence of the market on these changes can only be adequately comprehended by rooting the analysis in an understanding of the way in which surrounding regulatory frameworks shape its structure and operation. In doing so, it reveals how in an era of shifting market conditions characterised by greater competition and dramatic local authority cuts, a ‘soft’ regulatory framework offers little support to partnership relations between voluntary organisations and local authorities. Instead, the regulatory environment undermines financial security among voluntary organisations, degrades employment conditions in them and raises concerns regarding their service quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian Cunningham & Philip James, 2017. "Analysing public service outsourcing: The value of a regulatory perspective," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 35(6), pages 958-974, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:35:y:2017:i:6:p:958-974
    DOI: 10.1177/0263774X16671138
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baldwin, Robert & Scott, Colin & Hood, Christopher (ed.), 1998. "A Reader on Regulation," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198765295.
    2. Paul Higgins & Philip James & Ian Roper, 2004. "Best Value: Is It Delivering?," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(4), pages 251-258, August.
    3. Ian Roper & Philip James & Paul Higgins, 2005. "Workplace partnership and public service provision," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 19(3), pages 639-649, September.
    4. Howard Gospel & Paul A. Lewis, 2011. "Who Cares about Skills? The Impact and Limits of Statutory Regulation on Qualifications and Skills in Social Care," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 49(4), pages 601-622, December.
    5. Mick Marchington & Steven Vincent, 2004. "Analysing the Influence of Institutional, Organizational and Interpersonal Forces in Shaping Inter‐Organizational Relations," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(6), pages 1029-1056, September.
    6. repec:dau:papers:123456789/13776 is not listed on IDEAS
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