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Hobson's choice? Meaning, manner and merits of choice in public services

Michael Macaulay (Teesside Business School, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, UK)
John Wilson (Salford Business School, University of Salford, Salford, UK)

International Journal of Public Sector Management

ISSN: 0951-3558

Article publication date: 22 August 2008

738

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that since its election in 1997, the Labour Government in the United Kingdom has pursued a policy agenda which in some senses represents a continuation of the New Right agenda it inherited. Central to this agenda has been the emphasis placed on choice in public services.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the context of the New Right agenda this paper explores the concept and suggested merits of choice in public service provision. It does so by focusing on the experiences in England, particularly in relation to health and education.

Findings

By reference to the empirical evidence, the paper evaluates the conceptual arguments in favour of choice and finds that the current emphasis is consistent with the news of the New Right.

Originality/value

The paper questions the merits of choice in public service provision and, in doing so, suggests that the apparent political consensus in favour of choice can not be justified.

Keywords

Citation

Macaulay, M. and Wilson, J. (2008), "Hobson's choice? Meaning, manner and merits of choice in public services", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 21 No. 6, pp. 674-686. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513550810896532

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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