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Privatization of State Services, Volume I: Privatization; A Process Review and Status Report

NCJ Number
154431
Author(s)
K L Hruby
Date Published
1992
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This first volume of a two-volume report on the privatization of State services reports on privatization in several service areas, as determined by a literature review and a survey of privatization practices in 12 States; the information is intended for use by the Maine Legislature.
Abstract
The literature review did not reveal a universally applied definition for privatization. There is general agreement that privatization is a management tool that, when used, requires government to make a series of decisions. These decisions are policy decisions to determine which goods and services may be considered for privatization; cost/benefit decisions to determine which sector would produce those goods or services most efficiently and effectively; and outcome evaluation decisions to determine if the privatization decisions made for specific goods and services are meeting their intended goals. In the event that the Maine Legislature decides to use privatization as an approach for providing goods and services, this report proposes one possible approach for making privatization decisions. Successful implementation will require that the legislative and executive branches cooperate in its development and application. The proposed process recognizes the legislature's policy and oversight roles as well as the executive branch's responsibilities to implement programs and monitor performance. The 12-State survey shows that most identified State services are not yet subject to privatization. Of those services identified as privatized, contracting out ancillary (support) services was the most frequently reported method of privatization; contracting out the management of a government service was the least likely to be reported. 5 tables, 8 charts, a 42-item bibliography, and appended privatization questionnaire and results