Search results

1 – 10 of over 79000
Article
Publication date: 10 June 2014

Lisa Hansson and Frode Longva

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how accountability is expressed in contractual arrangements found in network governance structures that provide public transport…

2080

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how accountability is expressed in contractual arrangements found in network governance structures that provide public transport services and to raise discussion of how to understand contracting accountability in network governance contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is rooted in two research traditions: contracting studies and studies of accountability in government/governance contexts. Content analysis is used in examining contracts from two cases. These contracts are of five types: contracts between public organizations, contracts within a public organization, contracts between public organizations and private firms, and contracts between political parties within a municipality and contracts within a network. Various contracting approaches are identified within these types.

Findings

The paper concludes that the contracts' functions differ between the cases. The first case did not have an overall contract that defined the network, relying on different two-party contracts instead. In the other case, an incentive-based contract was used to link the organizations. From an accountability perspective, the latter contracting structure clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the actors and increases the possibility of accountability to citizens.

Originality/value

The paper brings new insights to the field of contracting and accountability by focusing on the role of contracts in network governance structures, taking account of various accountability relationships. It also contributes new theoretical categories usable when analysing contracting accountability in a network context.

Details

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1176-6093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1993

Susan E. Heinbuch

As a result of organizations′ increasing predilection to contractfor services, a gap has emerged between the management skills weemphasize in management development programmes and…

Abstract

As a result of organizations′ increasing predilection to contract for services, a gap has emerged between the management skills we emphasize in management development programmes and the skill needs of future managers. A total quality approach to management development will require us to close this contract‐related training gap. Introduces ideas which inform the need for the development of skills in conceiving, negotiating and administering contracts for services heretofore performed by employees. Suggests that we need to begin to re‐examine the current content of management development programmes to identify this and other gaps. We must ask: What additional skills do today′s managers need to be effective tomorrow? Why? How do these skills differ from currently required skills? What kinds of training can close the identified gaps?

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 12 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2020

Dolores Kuchina-Musina, John Charles Morris and Joshua Steinfeld

The purpose of this study is to examine procurement professionals’ perceptions of public-private partnerships in contract arrangements and to explore decision-making that takes…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine procurement professionals’ perceptions of public-private partnerships in contract arrangements and to explore decision-making that takes place in the contracting process.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory approach is applied to Simon’s (1947) model of decision-making to better understand the perceptions of procurement professionals, especially because it pertains to public vs private sector contexts. The researchers collected data by conducting interviews and observing a compliance webinar of federal contracting employees.

Findings

The results show that in the decision-making process, Simon’s illustration of a means-end hierarchy is applicable for procurement decision-making because it is driven by activities that are evaluated using aims established by the organization.

Practical implications

The implications are that, in the procurement decision-making process, a means-end hierarchy is driven by the activities that are evaluated using aims established by the organization. Essentially, the activities are associated to a mean, a mean is associated to a sub-goal and the sub-goal supports the main aim of the organization.

Social implications

This study supports the notion that training, information and procedures are a way for organizations to control behaviors and promote consistent results from their subordinates.

Originality/value

This study contributes by examining the drivers of procurement decision-making. Despite previous literature that focuses on practitioner discretion or emphasizes on socio-economic factors, this study highlights the linkages between practitioner decision-making and organizational aims and objectives. As such, the paper serves to illustrate the vital connection between procurement activities and outputs.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2017

Baynesagn Asfaw Ambaw and Jan Telgen

Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) is widely accepted as a useful tool. It is believed that the use of PBC can assist the efficient utilization of the public resources. The…

Abstract

Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) is widely accepted as a useful tool. It is believed that the use of PBC can assist the efficient utilization of the public resources. The objective of this research is to assess the extent of PBC application and the obstacles to applying it in the public procurement systems of developing countries. Interviews and factual analysis of procurement guidelines and contracts are used to collect data for this research. The analysis results indicate that the majority of public organizations have not yet used PBC even though it is allowed by the law. This is due partly to lack of clarity in the procurement laws and lack of capacity to use PBC.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1998

Susan Phelps

This article applies Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts to the specific case of contracting out. Specifically, it applies quality expert E. Edwards Deming’s 14 points to the…

1773

Abstract

This article applies Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts to the specific case of contracting out. Specifically, it applies quality expert E. Edwards Deming’s 14 points to the management of contracts by firms employing contractors. His points are generally held to be the “bedrock philosophy” on which any TQM effort must rest. By adapting these quality concepts and philosophies to contracting practices, processes and procedures, managers can develop Total Quality Contracting (TQC) approaches for their organizations.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1985

Paul Dainty

Management development in a contracting environment demands a difference in emphasis from that of a growing environment. The most fundamental aspect, which indeed characterises…

Abstract

Management development in a contracting environment demands a difference in emphasis from that of a growing environment. The most fundamental aspect, which indeed characterises much of management development, is in terms of changing attitudes. A research study of 102 middle and junior managers in five large manufacturing companies reveals that there may be a need for some management development advisers to take a second look at how they advocate and perceive management development within a contracting environment. All organisations have political attributes, and the problem, for both the organisation and the individual, is when political activity becomes an end in itself. There may be a strong case for making managers more aware of political behaviour and how to counteract it. Opportunities to discuss and explore problems in a non‐threatening environment may not be a novel or complete solution, but may provide an effective starting point to develop managers in a contracting organisation.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 85 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Simon Peel and Kerr Inkson

Explores worker choices to become self‐employed contractors. Adopts a qualitative method and uses data from in‐depth interviews with workers from two contrasting occupational…

4250

Abstract

Explores worker choices to become self‐employed contractors. Adopts a qualitative method and uses data from in‐depth interviews with workers from two contrasting occupational groups. Reveals five sets of factors which appear to be central to worker decision making. Contrasts the perspectives of the workers and draws conclusions relating to the impact of skill and labor market power on the choice of employed/self‐employed status, and subsequent career prospects. Suggests that recent views of “boundaryless careers” are more relevant to highly‐skilled groups of workers, and discusses the tensions between structural forces that constrain individuals’ career autonomy and the desire of many workers to be proactive agents in the construction of their own careers. The findings suggest that a balanced examination of “new careers” should account for the complexity of a new world of work that advantages only some. Argues for greater understanding of the choice between different modes of employment rather than just occupational choice. Finally, suggests that researchers and career practitioners need to be able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of employment from a sound knowledge base.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 9 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1998

Tamara Essex

There has been much research focusing on contracting and its effect on individual voluntary sector organisation, and some mapping of the extent of voluntary sector participation…

1020

Abstract

There has been much research focusing on contracting and its effect on individual voluntary sector organisation, and some mapping of the extent of voluntary sector participation in joint community care planning. Each of these is a new and formal relationship with the statutory sector, and in many cases the tasks are fulfilled by the same voluntary sector worker (usually the senior paid officer of the agency). But the impact that these two new relationships have on the voluntary organisation’s perception of its dependence and inter‐dependence has received less attention. The paper will draw on structured interviews in three local authorities, with voluntary sector participants in contracts for social care, and with participants in joint community care planning groups, as well as on documentary research. It will explore the impact of the evolving roles for those seeking to operate effectively in the pluralist provision of public services. It will analyse experiences within joint community care planning structures, and will analyse experiences of contractual relationships. The paper will seek to identify the elements present in each research site which influence the culture of joint working within the two statutory/ voluntary relationships.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 11 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2003

Tui McKeown

This paper examines the notion of work commitment within the professional contractor workforce – a working relationship that typifies the growing number falling outside that of…

2525

Abstract

This paper examines the notion of work commitment within the professional contractor workforce – a working relationship that typifies the growing number falling outside that of the traditional and ongoing employer/employee relationship. In particular, attention is given to the commitment‐related implications associated with the contracting relationship where both an employing organisation and a contracting agency are involved as both have a vested interest in managing the contractor within this construct. A specific focus of this research is the ability of a contractor to hold dual commitment and to investigate the factors that influence the levels of commitment to each party. The limited nature of data available within Australia means this study is supplemented with the much larger body of data and research from the USA. Implications from the findings of this study for human resource management practices in both contracting agencies and host organisations as well as future research needs are discussed.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 November 2019

Nickson Herbert Odongo, Daoping Wang, Obadia Bishoge and Tsitaire Jean Arrive

The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of numerous writings addressing quality performance-geared contracting (PC) and self-stated performance.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of numerous writings addressing quality performance-geared contracting (PC) and self-stated performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study systematically reviewed 134 refereed papers across various fields published between from 2000 to 2018. A categorization framework of PC is suggested addressing fundamental dimensions of its plan and management.

Findings

The relative analysis of pertinent articles advancing interdisciplinary perspective encourages learning and provides knowledge about quality management in organizations especially at individual and organizational levels.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes indicate that much of the present-day wide-ranging performance contracting studies do not have robust theoretical grounds. Studies are also inclined to certain theories for instance agency theory and play down other theories with the likelihood of contributing to quality management.

Practical implications

Performance contracting between citizens and public entities is important in that the written contract limits what the public entities, for instance, the government can and cannot do and informs on the rights and privileges of citizens, thus contracts to form the core of a free society.

Originality/value

This review demonstrates that performance contracting is useful in performance improvement if proper job design and contract management exist.

1 – 10 of over 79000