Commentary on Chapter 7

Abstract

The chapter provides a rich illustration of elite patronage being played out within a UK third sector/civil society (TS/CS) context. Elite patronage being played out by persons, or patrons, in control of or having access to resources and markets giving others, or clients, access in return for their help or support. The asymmetries within the relationships between a patron and a client whilst being of mutual benefit are based upon power and exchange inequality. Clientelism is the enactment of these unequal relationships. The issues are contextualised within the development of new technologies (broadband, television and radio) at a local, regional and national level in the United Kingdom within a community cooperative, regional and national support groups and national campaigning groups lobbying government. The central issue within the chapter is the improvement and accessibility of communications and broadband for those without fair access to new technology, especially within rural and remote areas. The detailed story unfolds over a five-year period.

Citation

Gibbon, J. (2011), "Commentary on Chapter 7", Hull, R., Gibbon, J., Branzei, O. and Haugh, H. (Ed.) The Third Sector (Dialogues in Critical Management Studies, Vol. 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 199-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2046-6072(2011)0000001021