Local government and management control in inter-organizational settings

Abstract

This paper contributes to the understanding of the challenges that arise when municipalities outsource services. A qualitative case study of the relationships between one large municipality in Norway and two outsourced service providers highlights several issues that complicate effective management control. The authors conclude that purchaser competence is a promising avenue for further research and an important issue that policy-makers need to consider.

Keywords:

• Outsourcing
• public sector
• public service delivery
• purchaser competence