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The Evaluation of Public Service Inspection: A Theoretical Framework

Author

Listed:
  • George Boyne

    (Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK, l: Boyne@ Cardiffac.uk)

  • Patricia Day

    (Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK, HSSPAAD@Bath.ac.uk)

  • Richard Walker

    (Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK, Walkerrm@Cardiff.ac.uk)

Abstract

Inspection is an important and growing element of the regulation of public services. We develop a theoretical framework for the evaluation of inspection and illustrate the practical relevance of this framework with reference to the new Best Value inspectorate for UK local government. The framework contains three elements that facilitate the effectiveness of an inspection system (a director, a detector and an effector), five potential problems that impede its effectiveness (resistance, ritual compliance, regulatory capture, performance ambiguity and information gaps) and a pivotal mediating variable which is the expertise of inspectors. We combine these variables into a matrix that can be used as a checklist for the evaluation of inspection and we identify hypotheses concerning the circumstances that lead to successful inspection outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • George Boyne & Patricia Day & Richard Walker, 2002. "The Evaluation of Public Service Inspection: A Theoretical Framework," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 39(7), pages 1197-1212, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:39:y:2002:i:7:p:1197-1212
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980220135563
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wood, B. Dan & Waterman, Richard W., 1991. "The Dynamics of Political Control of the Bureaucracy," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 85(3), pages 801-828, September.
    2. George Boyne, 2000. "Developments: External Regulation and Best Value in Local Government," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(3), pages 7-12, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alexandre dos Santos Cerqueira & Emerson Wagner Mainardes, 2018. "Internal-market orientation and job satisfaction in the public sector: a case study of fire inspectors in Brazil," International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Springer;International Association of Public and Non-Profit Marketing, vol. 15(2), pages 143-160, June.

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