Christian L. Janousek, Dag Olaf Torjesen and Robert Blair
This study comparatively examines the collaborative policy mechanisms for interlocal cooperation (ILC) utilized by municipal managers in Nebraska, USA, and Norway. The research…
Abstract
Purpose
This study comparatively examines the collaborative policy mechanisms for interlocal cooperation (ILC) utilized by municipal managers in Nebraska, USA, and Norway. The research addresses differences in ILC, factors of national setting and implications for ILC management in public service delivery.
Design/methodology/approach
Over a seven-year period, the researchers collected data from 16 communities in the two countries to observe perceptions and usages of ILC. Using a policy tools theoretical framework, the authors apply a typology of collaborative mechanisms for comparative analysis.
Findings
The findings suggest that institutional orientations in the USA and Norwegian systems of government affect managerial approaches to collaborative service delivery, namely the operationalization of local governments within federal and unitary structures may influence perceptions toward the formality and specificity of ILC policy mechanisms.
Originality/value
This study offers further understanding of ILC mechanisms for public sector management. Theoretical and practical implications of ILC in a comparative international context of governmental systems for collaboration are explored.
Details
Keywords
Morten Balle Hansen, Anja Overggaard Thomassen and Dag Olaf Torjesen
Dag Olaf Torjesen, Gro Kvåle and Charlotte Kiland
Integration between primary and secondary healthcare services and institutions has been at the core of health policy in Scandinavian countries over the last decade. This paper is…
Abstract
Integration between primary and secondary healthcare services and institutions has been at the core of health policy in Scandinavian countries over the last decade. This paper is based on an explorative case study of recent reforms in the healthcare sector and their outcomes in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. We discuss the possibilities of and problems for integrating the healthcare sector through the coordination mechanisms of hierarchy, market and network. The paper also discusses whether the institutional logic of the healthcare field is moving from a dual logic of ‘cure’ and ‘care’ towards a unifying logic of ‘integrated care’. We find that although the organisational principles that regulate the relationship between actors in the healthcare field in the three countries have changed, the challenge of achieving a mix of coordinative mechanisms that promote, rather than weaken, integration remains. However, the new organisational and regulative arrangements are an arena for increased interaction and collaboration between the actors, and thus a foundation for change towards the institutional logic of integrated health care.