Collaboration, Co-Production, Networks: Convergence of theories

Abstract

This article suggests a framework to study service delivery networks that draws on the theories of collaboration, co-production, and networks combined. We introduce four dimensions of co-production under ‘coproduction-oriented collaborations’. This framework allows us to ‘zoom in and zoom out’ when we study networks. Using the case method approach, the framework is applied to analyse four networks in Singapore. Findings suggest that network process, network structure, and characteristics of actors are crucial to a network’s performance and coproduction’s effectiveness. This article also offers implications for practice that in certain contexts the usage of these concepts is for managerial effectiveness and not for enhancing democratic values.

Key words:

• Co-production
• collaboration
• network
• Singapore
• social services

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

An earlier version of this article was presented at the ‘Co-production in public services: the state of the art’ seminar at Corvnius University, Budapest, 22–23 November 2012. We would like to thank Victor Pestoff, Taco Bandsen, and Stephen P. Osborne for their valuable comments.

In collaboration with the Civil Service College of Singapore, this research was funded by the National University of Singapore’s Start-up Grant FY 2009.

Notes

1 Some scholars might argue that we can also categorize co-consultation as a process to co-produce plans. But we would like to separate clearly between the process to make a plan and the actual process to implement a plan (or program).

2 The twenty four networks are Community Safety and Security Programme; REACH network; CARE Network; Eastern Health Alliance; Healthier Food Programme; Goodlife! Centre; Singapore Programme for Integrated Care for the Elderly (SPICE); Stray cat sterilization programme; Enhanced Step-up; Central Youth Guidance Office (CYGO); General Practitioner Empowerment Programme; Singapore National Asthma Programme; National Heath Group Partners Shared Care Programmes; MHA community engagement programme; BCA Zero Energy Building; Agri-Business Cluster; AVA Import Control and Border Inspections; Nparks: Remaking our heartland (Yishun Town); Community in Bloom (CIB); SIIA Haze Issue; Dads for Life Programme; National Family Violence Networking System; Campaign Against Dengue; and Zero Energy Building.

3 The questions in the simple online survey were: What are your main objectives in joining or forming the collaboration?; How much time do you commit to your network?; What do you or your organization provide for the collaboration?; Rate from 1 to 5 how much your organization’s mission is dependent on what the collaborators do; Please list the names of your collaborators in the network; How close are you to them?; Who takes the lead in the network?

4 MCYS has been restructured into two ministries, namely ministry of social and family development (MSF) and ministry of culture, community and youth (MCCY) in November 2012. We will retain the term MCYS for easy reference and accurate representation.