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Building the Knowledge Base of Nonprofit Management:
A Searchable Database
Efficiency and the Social Services: Part B
Abstract
Continuation of a discussion on the usefulness of applying the concept
of efficiency to social services (see abstract of Part A in this
section). Microeconomic theory (based on such elements as markets,
prices, profit motive, competition, & the role of self-interest)
is used to show how efficiency can help inform decision making on
resource allocation. A model for achieving rational administration of
social service resources called the "continuum of
rationality" is used to address various evaluative questions:
Does a given program have a desired effect? What is the size of the
effect? With whom is it most effective? How much service should each
client receive? Even though change inevitably impacts the
organization, it is argued that the continuum is still useful because
modern information technology can provide monitoring & feedback on
responses. The role of goal setting in creating & maintaining
organizational & program objectives is discussed, leading to
concluding arguments for the applicability of the efficiency concept.
Journal
(1991)
vol15
no1-2
pages25-44
Categories
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Evaluation and Information Management
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Accountability and Efficiency
