Overview
Based on rational choice sociology, neo-institutional economics and public choice rather than practitioner theory, this theoretical explanation for the increasing use of quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations (quangos) develops a groundbreaking theoretical model to explain the choices that politicians make. Sustained and rigorous theoretical treatments such as this are rare. Holding implications for practitioners as well as scholars in politics, sociology, economics, business and law, this book makes a compelling contribution to the literature on policy-making.Synopsis
Many Western governments are contracting out public services, privatizing them, or creating quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations—quangos—to provide them. Van Thiel (Erasmus U., Rotterdam) examines the phenomenon of "quangocratization," which can be viewed as one of the most recent stages of state development in the West. Under it, government is increasingly characterized by the replacement of the central, hierarchical structure with a complex network of organizations with which governments jointly develop, implement, and evaluate policies. Of interest to policy makers as well as scholars in politics, sociology, economics, business, and law. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Chris Skelcher
This detailed theoretical and empirical study of quangos provides a model against which researchers in the field would do well to judge themselves.