Competitiveness between public, private and non‐profit organizations in the promising market for the elderly in France

Abstract

Purpose

To cover the main trends in health care for the elderly and the issues regarding the competitiveness between public and private organizations that are mainly small to medium‐sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐dimensional longitudinal study: the social policy of public authorities; the ageing process of the French population; and the behavior of the elderly toward retirement homes.

Findings

Provides a better understanding of the competition between different modes of accommodation for the elderly. Underlines the crucial role played by non‐profit organizations in the French health sector, i.e. to act as a regulator and buffer between the public sector, which lacks flexibility, and the private sector, which gives a free hand to private interests.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to France. It would benefit from being enlarged to cover larger geographical areas, e.g. Europe.

Practical implications

For academics, this method could be replicated in different other fields and sectors. For public decision makers, this work shows how non‐profit organizations could improve cohabitation between public and private organizations in the health‐care system. For managers, this paper contributes toward a better understanding of the accommodation market for the elderly.

Originality/value

This paper deals with the care of the elderly that is nowadays a world‐wide problem. However, opportunities are emerging with a new market for the care for the elderly.

Citation

Smida, A. (2005), "Competitiveness between public, private and non‐profit organizations in the promising market for the elderly in France", Foresight, Vol. 7 No. 5, pp. 32-41. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680510622172