Contracting/outsourcing in the public sector : main factors determining their outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the effectiveness of contracting/outsourcing as an alternative way of improving the quality of public service delivery in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The findings from the research have been used to establish the trends of contracting/outsourcing when applied in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and even in other countries. Contracting/outsourcing has been considered to be the solution for poor public service delivery. In cases where governments have been struggling to achieve their mandate of efficient, cost-effective and timeous provision of public goods and services, contracting/outsourcing has been viewed as the most viable alternative. The private sector has been called upon to fill the gap regardless of the fact that they are profit oriented. Thus this article examines the effectiveness of contracting/outsourcing. The findings of the research reveal that contracting/outsourcing remains problematic unless the issue of accountability is reinforced so that it becomes not only real but also binding. Intervention strategies should focus on both processes and results if contracting/outsourcing is to play a positive role in public service delivery.