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Explaining variations in enforcement strategy: A comparison of the Swedish health care, eldercare, and compulsory school sector

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  • Linda Moberg
  • Mio Fredriksson
  • Karin Leijon

Abstract

This article analyzes whether, and if so, why, national inspectorates adopt different enforcement strategies when controlling the provision of welfare services, such as health care, eldercare, and the compulsory school. The findings show that the Swedish Schools Inspectorate uses a predominantly strict strategy, while the Health and Social Care Inspectorate relies on a more situational strategy. To explain this variation in enforcement strategy, the article tests four hypotheses derived from the literature on regulatory enforcement. The findings suggest that the variation between the agencies is not primarily the result of differences in resources or the authority to issue punitive decisions, as suggested by previous research. Instead, we find support for the hypothesis that the definition of quality can explain variation in adopted strategies, and partial support for the hypothesis that differences in regulatory mission can account for a variation in the agencies' formal enforcement strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda Moberg & Mio Fredriksson & Karin Leijon, 2023. "Explaining variations in enforcement strategy: A comparison of the Swedish health care, eldercare, and compulsory school sector," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(4), pages 1041-1057, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:reggov:v:17:y:2023:i:4:p:1041-1057
    DOI: 10.1111/rego.12499
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frédérique Six, 2013. "Trust in Regulatory Relations," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(2), pages 163-185, February.
    2. Mary Bryna Sanger, 2013. "Does Measuring Performance Lead to Better Performance?," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(1), pages 185-203, January.
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