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Purpose: In recent years, third sector–school partnerships have become more common and received increasing research attention. Yet, the ethical aspects of third sector–school partnerships have not been discussed in-depth. As a result, the field lacks a conceptual framework that makes possible in-depth understanding of the ethical characteristics involved in partnerships between public schools and the third sector. The purpose of this paper is to fill this lacuna. Design/methodology/approach: An integrative review of the general literature on stakeholder theory, corporate social responsibility, cross-sector partnerships (CSP) and strategic alliances, as well as of empirical studies on partnerships between schools and the third sector, offers insights on ethical conduct in these partnerships and their antecedents. Findings: Based on the general literature on CSP and the educational literature on third sector–school partnerships, the authors offer a conceptual model and propositions about ethical conduct in these partnerships and its antecedents. Originality/value: The innovative conceptual model makes possible a re-evaluation of existing knowledge on third sector–school partnerships, and can support direct research of ethical aspects in these partnerships. In addition, the model provides conceptual language for administrators for managing practical ethical dilemmas in these partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to address school–NGO interactions by analyzing the power of foundations – a specific type of third sector organization or NGO in education. Design/methodology/approach: Data are collected through a quantitative survey, qualitative interviews, official documents, reports and websites. Social network analysis and grounded theory are used to analyze the data with the aim to develop a theoretical approach. Findings: The study identifies three dimensions, i.e. relational, structural and discursive dimensions of power. Based on the analysis of an illustrative multi-stakeholder initiative, the paper highlights the role of foundations in framing educational settings, concepts and structures of the education system as such. Practical implications: The three-dimensional power perspective offered in this paper is particularly useful for scholars investigating school–NGO interactions or multi-stakeholder partnerships in education. Furthermore, it is of crucial importance for practitioners, school principals and education administrators dealing with school–NGO interactions given that foundations seem to be increasingly able to draw on new sources of power in these interactions. Originality/value: While the number and power of the third sector in education continues to rise worldwide, there is wide consensus that NGO power in education has, to date, hardly been researched. This paper contributes to this dearth of research by uncovering foundations' different sources of power and by developing a theoretical approach for analyzing the power of third-sector organizations in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the Health and Social Care Act, 2012 on London’s rough sleepers as seen from the perspective of one former homeless service user (currently working as a support worker in a day centre providing outreach and “drop in” facilities for people who are street homeless and other vulnerable adults including female sex workers). The discussion centres on some of the unintended impacts of changes to healthcare commissioning; the new arrangements for patient, public representation; and the enhanced role of local councils.Design/methodology/approach This paper is grounded in front line practitioner reflection/opinion and draws on practical experience and observation at Spires, as well as research and government papers published by other service providers. The aspirations of the Health and Social Care Act, 2012 are set out before its practical application are examined from the rough sleeper’s dimension.Findings Putting clinicians and GPs centre stage in the commissioning and purchasing of healthcare may have some benefits for individual patient choice, but it can also dilute patient public involvement in health and social care with negative effects for vulnerable and excluded groups, including rough sleepers. The terms of reference ascribed to Local Healthwatch Organisations, the official representatives of the people, are narrower than previously and limit their ability to influence official policy. The Act centralises control whilst devolving operational responsibility, especially for public health provision on which rough sleepers often rely. It is suggested that local voluntary organisations and specialist “inclusion” health groups are increasingly being expected to take over responsibility for delivering health and social care and that mainstream collaboration is much reduced rather than enhanced by this fragmentation.Research limitations/implications This review is based on the opinion of an “expert by experience” which may not be representative.Originality/value This is one of few papers which present a front line service user/practitioner perspective on the impact of clinical commissioning on services for marginalised groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the perceived job quality and job satisfaction among third-sector employees and compare job quality in the third, public and private sector. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on the quality of work life (QWL) survey data gathered by Statistics Finland. The QWL data are complemented with data set collected among third-sector employees. In the sector comparisons percentage shares were used to compare different dimensions of job quality between the sectors. Regression analysis was used to control the structural labour market differences between the sectors. Findings – The results show that job quality in the third sector differs substantially from that in both the public and private sectors. Employees in the third sector are less satisfied with their jobs than others. They perceive their work more autonomous than others. Compared to private-sector employees, third-sector employees perceive their jobs as less insecure. They also report more intensity and qualitative insecurity than employees in other sectors. Research limitations/implications – The sample consist only trade union members. The generalisability of results to non-unionized employees may be limited. Originality/value – Previously it has been stated that third-sector employees enjoy greater job satisfaction due to intrinsic work benefits related to non-profit work. There is, however, small number of empirical studies trying to compare systematically job quality between the sectors. The present analysis contradicts the previous findings of higher job satisfaction in the third sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The context conditions for third sector organizations (TSOs) in Europe have significantly changed as a result of the global economic crisis, including decreasing levels of public funding and changing modes of relations with the state. The effect of economic recession, however, varies across Europe. The purpose of this paper is to understand why this is the case. It analyses the impact of economic recession and related policy changes on third sector development in Europe. The economic effects on TSOs are thereby placed into a broader context of changing third sector policies and welfare state restructuring. Design/methodology/approach – The paper focusses on two research questions: how has the changing policy environment affected the development of the third sector? And what kind of strategies have TSOs adopted to respond to these changes? The paper first investigates general trends in Europe, based on a conceptual model that focusses on economic recession and austerity policies with regard to the third sector. In a second step of analysis, the paper provides five country case studies that exemplify policy changes and responses from the third sector in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. Findings – The paper argues that three different development paths can be identified across Europe. In some countries (France and Spain), TSOs face a strong effect of economic recession. In other countries (Germany and Poland) the development of the third sector remains largely stable, albeit at different levels, whereas in the Netherlands, TSOs rather experience changes in the policy environment than a direct impact of economic decline. The paper also shows that response strategies of the third sector in Europe depend on the context conditions. The paper is based on the European project “Third Sector Impact.” It combines an analysis of statistical information with qualitative data from interviews with third sector representatives. Originality/value – The paper contributes to our understanding of the interrelation between economic recession, long-term policy changes and third sector development in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper provides a reflection about the usefulness of the concept of social entrepreneurship to Portuguese third sector organizations (TSOs) with the purpose of understanding the paths undertaken by the latter. Departing from a theoretical synthesis inspired by different approaches to social entrepreneurship, the purpose of this paper is to offer an operative view of the concept in light of the problematics of social innovation and organizational innovation. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical analysis focuses on the intervention models and management models of these organizations. It uses a sequential methodological approach that combines extensive and intensive analyses. Findings – The author has concluded that Portuguese TSOs show a fragile form of social entrepreneurship. This includes, among others, state dependency both in terms of models of financial management and the definition and regulation of activities, recipients and social intervention. This leads the author to claim, even though cautiously, that management models influence intervention models. Originality/value – The originality of this paper lies on the use of an analytic framework that offers an eclectic approach to social entrepreneurship. This approach goes beyond some hidden contradictions between Anglo-Saxon schools of thought, namely, the earned income school of thought, and the school of social innovation, as well as the European perspective on social enterprises, and the Latin-American school of solidarity economy. These schools have been reconciled for the purposes of this analysis, which attempts to operationalize the notion of social entrepreneurship in the Portuguese TSOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to build on existing theory of knowledge sharing barriers (KSBs) by exploring the concept in the relatively under-researched context of social service not-for-profit organisations. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, case study methodology was used. Practitioner staff members took part in online questionnaires, followed by semi-structured interviews with line management and middle management staff. Secondary sources from the case study organisation were also used in the analysis. The analysis of questionnaire responses alongside responses from semi-structured interviews is compared with extant research into KSBs. Findings – The findings of this study highlight the need to re-examine the KSBs identified in the literature to reflect contexts beyond the private sector. Common barriers were identified, but some found in the case study organisation did not neatly fit into the existing definitions of KSBs. An updated list of KSBs to reflect this social service not-for-profit context is presented. Research limitations/implications – Case studies are often not generalisable; however, the KSB list developed here could be further explored and tested in other third sector organisations. Practical implications – The research raises the question of applicability of current knowledge management (KM) theory and lexicon in the third sector and social care environment. Originality/value – This study provides an insight into KM applicability in a third sector context, which is a relatively under-developed research area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The third sector is a producer of trust and positive social interactions, while the mafias destroy trust and social norms. Confiscation of assets and reusing confiscated assets are important tools from an economic and symbolic point of view for contrasting the mafias and promoting a sustainable and fair economy. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of the third sector for reusing confiscated assets.Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a theoretical analysis of why a third sector role is utilized for reusing confiscated assets, thus focusing on the economic, social and cultural dimensions. Italian legislation and data are presented for showing the relevant and innovative role of the third sector for reusing confiscated assets. A case study of the city of Forlì, based in Northern Italy, is presented and is of particular interest because it is a part of Italy that does not have a historical presence of the mafias. The University of Bologna is now a partner of the project through the Observatory of Legality. Five hectares of confiscated, urban land have been given to two social cooperatives for organic agriculture and social gardening, which are managed by disadvantaged people working in the cooperatives.Findings The case study offers useful implications for other national and international situations. The results support that the third sector can be an effective partner in managing and restoring the goods to their community.Research limitations/implications A suggested focus on a European framework toward a more integrated approach for reusing confiscated assets.Practical implications An opportunity for policy decisions to be made toward a stronger approach for reusing confiscated assets via the third sector and civil society actors, starting from positive cases, such as the Forlì case study.Social implications Possibility of a stronger civic engagement for reusing confiscated assets previously owned by mafias.Originality/value Scaling up from a pioneering activity to a large-scale network of social enterprises and partnerships could make the difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on recovery and personal goal attainment of a transition intervention service for return to the community following exit from an alternative to psychiatric inpatient admission -- a residential recovery house. The services seek to facilitate community reintegration, promote recovery and prevent future mental health crisis. The service was funded by the Stone Family Foundation. Design/methodology/approach -- This evaluation employed a within groups design: a single case evaluation follow-up. Analysis of Recovery Star and personal goal achievement data collected at service entry and exit points during routine practice (n=181), at four sites in England. The adults had mental illness diagnoses including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, and anxiety disorder. Findings -- There was a significant increase in overall Recovery Star scores with a large effect size, and significant increases in eight of the ten Recovery Star life domains. There were significant increases in the goal scores linked to "Managing mental health", "Self-care" and "Living skills". Practical implications -- A transitional intervention service provided by the third sector for return to community following mental health crisis may contribute to recovery and personal goal achievement. A randomised control trial of this transition intervention service is recommended. Originality/value -- This is first outcome evaluation of an alternative to psychiatric inpatient admission transition intervention service and findings indicate the potential positive effect of having this service incorporated into the design of alternative to admission provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the level of social capital in environmental community organisations (ECOs) in Perth, Western Australia. On a general level, social capital in ECOs is understood as intra-organisational and inter-organisational relationships that organisations maintain through interactions. Design/methodology/approach -- This paper utilises quantitative (i.e. survey) as well as qualitative (i.e. interviews) approaches to data collection and analysis. It proposes a methodological framework to measure the level of social capital, and explores the association between the ascertained level of social capital and organisational capabilities. Findings -- The results of the survey and interviews reveal that while the level of social capital is needs based, maintaining a higher intensity of organisational relationships puts ECOs in a better position to do more with less. Research limitations/implications -- The findings advance the task of ascertaining the level of social capital in ECOs from organisational interactions perspective. Originality/value -- This paper captures a community organisation-specific methodological framework to measure and analyse social capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of REGE Revista de Gestão is the property of Emerald Publishing Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to explore change within the commissioning of third sector mental health services in England. Design/methodology/approach -- A case study methodology based on survey and interview data of a sample of third sector organisations and commissioners within an English conurbation. Findings -- Normative commissioning models based on sequential cycles were not fully implemented with the main focus being on the procurement and contracting elements. There were examples of commissioning being an enabler of service improvement but overall it seems to have been limited in its ability to bring about whole system change. Barriers included commissioners' capacity and competence, ineffectual systems within their organisations, and fragmentation in commissioning processes between user groups, organisations and sectors. Research limitations/implications -- The case study conurbation may not represent practice in all urban areas of England and there may be particular issues of difference within rural localities. The view of private and public sector providers and those working in Commissioning Support Units were not sought. Practical implications -- To lead whole system change the commissioning function needs to be adequately resourced and skilled with better integration across public sector functions and organisations. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on implementing the full commissioning cycle, including the engagement of relevant stakeholders throughout the process and the practical application of outcomes. Originality/value -- This research adds to the limited body of empirical work regarding commissioning in mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of the present study is to identify the prevalent model of social enterprise governance in South Korea by empirically testing five conceptual models. Theoretical and empirical research on the governance of social enterprises have grown considerably in the past decade, centred primarily on the UK, Europe and the USA. Whilst some articles have discussed the role and growth of social enterprises in Asia, the empirical evidence remains scant, particularly in relation to empirical studies of social enterprise governance in South Korea. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing upon established literature on social enterprise governance, we empirically tested five conceptual models on a sample of 69 South Korean social enterprises collected through an online survey to identify the prevalent model of governance. Such models were found unable to fully explain governance processes observed. Thus, the authors used an innovative statistical technique, latent class analysis, which identifies clusters of associations between key governance variables. Findings – This exercise revealed two opposite models, centralising and interdependent. The latter represent an interesting shift towards widening forms of participation in governance processes in South Korea. Research limitations/implications – The sample is small and only limited to some social enterprise types. More research needs to be done on larger samples including the growing South Korean co-operative sector. Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published data available on the governance of South Korean social enterprises and the analysis used to identify governance models (i.e. latent class analysis) is novel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the growing emphasis on quantifiable performance measures such as social return on investment (SROI) in third sector organisations – specifically, social enterprise – through a legitimacy theory lens. It then examines what social enterprises value (i.e. consider important) in terms of performance evaluation, using a case study approach. Design/methodology/approach – Case studies involving interviews, documentary analysis, and observation, of three social enterprises at different life-cycle stages with different funding structures, were constructed to consider "what measures matter" from a practitioner's perspective. Findings – Findings highlight a priority on quality outcomes and impacts in primarily qualitative terms to evaluate performance. Further, there is a noticeable lack of emphasis on financial measures other than basic access to financial resources to continue pursuing social goals. Social implications – The practical challenges faced by social enterprises – many of which are small to medium sized – in evaluating performance and by implication organisational legitimacy are contrasted with measures such as SROI which are resource intensive and have inherent methodological limitations. Hence, findings suggest the limited and valuable resources of social enterprises would be better allocated towards documenting the actual outcomes and impacts as a first step, in order to evaluate social and financial performance in terms appropriate to each objective, in order to demonstrate organisational legitimacy. Originality/value – Findings distinguish between processes which may hold symbolic legitimacy for select stakeholder groups, and processes which hold substantive, cognitive legitimacy for stakeholders more broadly, in the under-researched context of social enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze how performance may be defined in the context of a religious organization. The authors do so by studying the case of a Benedictine abbey. Design/methodology/approach – Using an etymologically derived understanding of performance, and predominantly based on the Regula Benedicti (the central guideline for Benedictine monks), the authors first conceptually develop an understanding of performance in Benedictine abbeys. The authors then apply this understanding in a single case study. Findings – The authors found that in order to comply with the Benedictine mission laid out in the Regula Benedicti, Benedictine abbeys need to balance sacred and secular goals. The authors also derived six key actions in order to accomplish these goals. The case study shows that an imbalance in these key actions may cause severe (financial) distress. Research limitations/implications – The study provides an alternative framing of the term "performance" and further evidence that only a combined pursuit of sacred and secular goals seems useful for religious organizations. Researchers interested in religious organizations might find the conceptual approach and findings useful to analyze performance in such organizations. Practical implications – Benedictine abbeys and other religious organizations may find the analysis valuable to critically analyze their current strategies and focal activities. Moreover, this paper's results might also be worthwhile for other faith-based or third-sector organizations when seeking an alternative framing of performance. Originality/value – This paper provides a new framing of "performance" and is the first to analyze what performance might mean in the context of a Benedictine abbey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to set the scene for this special issue by synthesising the vast array of literature on performance measurement to examine what constitutes performance measurement, and why it is important for the third sector. It also analyses key issues of performance measurement and introduces the papers that comprise this special issue of Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the form of a literature review. The authors draw on extensive research on performance measurement from a diverse range of disciplines to identify and explore key definitions, opportunities and challenges with performance measurement in the third sector. Findings – Economic/financial efficiency approaches, programme theories, strategic and participatory approaches all present opportunities and challenges when measuring performance in the third sector. The papers in this special issue demonstrate the manner in which different organisations have dealt with these. Research limitations/implications – This special issue of Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management aims to stimulate qualitative research into performance measurement frameworks within the third sector both inside organisations and to their external stakeholders (supporters, clients and the general public). Practical implications – Those charged with governance and management in the third sector organisations (TSOs) will seek to use appropriate approaches to measuring and managing performance in order to learn and to discharge accountability. The different aspects of performance measurement will also be of interest to funders, donors, and those who seek accountability from TSOs. Originality/value – The categorisations of methods and approaches to performance measurement should guide researchers and practitioners alike. A future research programme is also derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the delivery of preventative services for older people from third sector organisations (TSOs) and the extent to which current commissioning arrangements enables the aspirations of policy to be achieved. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews with key-contacts within a sample of TSOs which had been identified by directors of Adult Social Services as delivering one of the top three preventative interventions in their local authority area. Findings – There was evidence of considerable trust between local authorities and TSOs and as a consequence TSOs were given autonomy to develop holistic and integrated models of delivery that supported rather than diverted the TSOs' core missions. Both sectors found it difficult to set target outcomes and connected performance frameworks for preventative services. As a consequence a major element of the commissioning cycle is not being completed and TSOs cannot be confident that they are using their resources as effectively as possible. Research limitations/implications – This study was based in one English region, and would benefit from being extended to other English regions and home nations. Practical implications – Universities, policy makers, commissioners and the third sector need to work together to develop common outcome frameworks for preventative services and to gather consistent data sets that can be more easily synthesised to give a "realistic" understanding of the impact of different interventions and delivery models. Originality value – The paper contributes to the limited evidence bases of commissioning of TSOs and preventative services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the needs of stroke survivors and the impact of a Life After Stroke service on users, and to explore the effectiveness of a service provided by a third sector organisation working closely with other stroke service provision. Design/methodology/approach – Review of management documents and reports, polling views of 128 service users through a nationally recognised survey designed to assess the service impact, and using interviews and focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of the value and impact of the service from a range of professionals involved with delivering stroke care. Survey response rates were similar to that experienced nationally and the age/gender profile of respondents suggested they were representative. Findings – The service was highly regarded by service users as providing personal, practical and emotional support from people who were knowledgeable and accessible in acute hospitals. From the wider perspective, professionals involved in the stroke pathway saw the service as complementing the acute hospital provision and the stroke community nursing team. The organisation providing the support service worked effectively across health and social care boundaries and built on their existing links and trusted relationships. Originality value – This adds to the evidence that the personal impact of stroke is substantial, and on being discharged from acute care many survivors will still have considerable needs. For those responsible for meeting these needs, the particular model of delivering stroke support evaluated here has been found to have considerable merits and resilience in the changing landscape of tighter resources and NHS restructuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – To evaluate the impact of crisis house admission in terms of mental health recovery and achievement of personal goals for people using the service. Design/methodology/approach – Mental Health Recovery Star (Recovery Star) and Personal Goal Scoring data were collected at entry and exit points in routine practice as part of a bespoke support planning process from 722 adults using one of three Rethink Mental Illness Crisis Houses. The adults had mental illness diagnoses including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, and anxiety disorder. Findings – There were significant increases in all ten Recovery Star domains, for example: managing mental health (up 2.11 points (1-10 scale)), identity and self-esteem (up 1.56 points), trust and hope (up 1.48 points), and self-care (up 1.35 points). The analysis of Personal Goal Scoring data (scored on 1-10 scale) showed significant increases on how close people were to achieving their goals. For all goals listed there was an average increase of 2.5 point from 3 to 5.5, showing that people made progress during their stay in the service. Practical implications – Services provided by the third sector may offer an important contribution to support people's recovery and prevent admission to psychiatric hospital. Originality/value – The findings of the evaluation study support a growing body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of services offering alternatives to admission, and they highlight the value of using recovery-oriented support planning and outcome capture tools in routine practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The third sector has been promoted by progressive English governments as a provider of health and social care services for people with mental health difficulties. This article aims to consider the assumptions that lie behind these polices and reviews the evidence that third sector organisations can be said to have a "unique" role and approach. The challenges and opportunities of the current market-based reforms for the third sector are discussed. Design/methodology/approach -- The article is based on literature reviews of the third sector's role in mental health care and commissioning of third sector organisations. Findings -- The third sector delivers a range of mental health services in England, in particular those related to accommodation, advice, advocacy and employment. Its activity extends into other roles such as campaigning and development of new approaches to care and support. Evidence of the distinctiveness of the sector as a whole is limited, but there are examples of such organisations providing innovative and userled services. Market-based reforms are seen as posing a threat to smaller organisations in particular but personalised approaches (including allocation of individual budgets), outcome-based payments and a need for large-scale service redesign are seen as offering considerable opportunity for expansion. Practical implications -- For the new market to include a strong third sector will require leadership within organisations, a collaborative approach within the sector, and commissioners that understand and engage positively with the sector in all its diversity. Originality/value -- This article draws together the research literature on the third sector's engagement in mental health and the impact of market-based reforms and in doing so provides original value in the fields of mental health and third sector studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Public services will face major challenges over the next decade; severe financial pressures and cuts; growing demand; raising public and user expectations; decentralisation and community empowerment; opportunities to deploy new technology; and global competition. This will result in a changing relationship between citizen and services users with the state and service providers. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges and opportunities in contemporary public sector leadership which face executive leaders. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers what public service leaders will need to do; how they will need to behave; and the competencies and styles of leadership that will be required. It is a commentary and thought piece based on the author's wide experience, conversations with leaders from all sectors in the UK and his advisory and research projects. Findings – There will be a paradigm shift in the relationship between the business, public, social and third sectors and this will require more effective collaboration between the sectors. The result of these far-reaching changes is the need for a strong, outcome focused and collaborative leadership across all sectors, and specifically in the public sector. Leadership will be critical. Originality/value – This article provides challenge and advice for leaders in the public sector and in the business, social and third sectors who work with the public sector and are responsible for public service delivery. It should enable leaders and potential leaders to consider how they can develop and practise collaborative leadership personally and within their organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Private philanthropy in China is an emerging element of civil society. This paper seeks to examine the role of productivity improvement in a private charity in the context of the relative roles of charities and private business in building a harmonious society. In addition, the paper aims to examine the philosophy of Capital Spirit proposed by Dr Lu Dezhi, founder of the Huamin Charity Foundation, as the basis for a Chinese model of private philanthropy. Design/methodology/approach – This case study is based on an interview with Dr Lu Dezhi conducted in Beijing by the first author. The article is descriptive, but it also contains analysis of the approach described by Dr Lu in light of the World Confederation of Productivity Science model of SEE-Productivity and previous history of efforts to shift management paradigms, e.g. quality management, etc. Findings – Dr Lu provides a rational, systematic and philosophically grounded approach to creating and operating a private philanthropy in China. This model incorporates many of the key aspects of productivity science, including values-based strategy, data-based decision making, analysis and evaluation and continuous improvement. In a larger sense, Dr Lu outlines a philosophy that has the potential to shift the management paradigms of Chinese organizations to more sustainable practices. Originality/value – The focus on productivity improvement in private philanthropy is a topic that is rarely discussed in the management literature. In addition, the approach taken to philanthropy by Dr Lu Dezhi and his philosophy of Capital Spirit as the basis for a "Chinese model" of philanthropy is unique. Finally, the discussion regarding the appropriate role of private sector businesses in an economy based on its stage of development is a unique contribution to the management literature. Contrasting this Chinese model with Western models provides a useful cultural contrast to examine this key question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The paper aims to explore the relationship between commissioners of service and the third sector arising from research undertaken during a LinkAge Plus project by comparison to the eight principles of commissioning. It seeks to explore the issues concerning the development of services and the implications in an era of austerity for rapid changes to the implementation of policy nationally in the UK and internationally. Design/methodology/approach – The main methods employed are interview, document analysis and observation. This research re-evaluates research undertaken for a LinkAge Plus pilot evaluation. Findings – The framework provided by the eight principles of good commissioning appeared to rely on the premise that the contracts entered into are long-term in nature, however, where short-term contracts are entered into the principles appear somewhat unachievable. Research limitations/implications – The paper examines the findings arising from one LinkAge Plus pilot site only, however, the authors contend that the findings offer genuine insights into the relationship between commissioners of services and the third sector, owing to the number of projects undertaken for the scheme. Practical implications – The findings offer organisations and policy makers an insight into the issues faced by the third sector when dealing with large commissioners particularly with regards to the rapid change of service provision and short-term contracts. This has considerable relevance in the changing economic climate and the associated austerity measures being imposed. The paper also fulfils the need for greater empirical work required in the important area of third sector delivery of services. Originality/value – LinkAge Plus offered a unique opportunity to examine how a commissioner can use third sector organisations to develop services quickly and the associated issues that arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to address the involvement of third sector organizations in state public education in Israel, with emphasis on the decision-making processes affecting the geographic distribution of service provision. Design/methodology/approach – A collective case study approach was used to investigate non-governmental organization (NGO) procedures for the deployment of the educational services they provide. The study was based on semi-structured interviews with key personnel and on documents from four NGOs operating in the Israeli public education system. Findings – The article illustrates the extent of third sector organizations' involvement in the Israeli public educational system, in most cases operated with significant governmental funding. The findings reveal two main factors in the NGOs' decision-making process that affect their operational deployment: the type of financing model they adopted and the nature of their relationship with the Ministry of Education. Practical implications – The paper's findings have led to several policy recommendations. It recommends that NGOs be more aware of their financing model and more critical in its appraisal. It also recommends that the state take into account the vision and financing model of NGOs and its own strategic responsibility for reaching nationwide social goals when selecting partners. Originality/value – The study examines the increasing involvement of NGOs in state public education. As trends of privatization and democratization continue, the number of NGOs operating in the public education system continues to rise, and their importance continues to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to trace the origin and development of the increased use of the voluntary sector in the delivery of public services in the UK and to identify both the threats and opportunities that this policy poses. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses government documents to examine policies and models for change. This is located within a discussion of the literature around the developing role of the voluntary sector in public service provision against the backdrop of wider neo-liberal public sector reform. Findings – New Labour laid the basis for a major expansion in the use of the voluntary sector in public service provision as part of its public service reform programme. It did so with a range of sometimes contradictory justifications. The policy is now being extended by the new coalition government. Research limitations/implications – The process of change outlined in the paper is continuing, so it is not possible to make conclusive statements regarding its impact. Further research will be required to monitor the effects. Practical implications – Alerting the voluntary sector organisations to the potential problems of large-scale involvement in public service provision may assist them in retaining their independence and effectiveness. Originality/value – The paper contributes to a necessary (and overdue) assessment of the impact of the changed role of the voluntary sector in public service provision on the sector itself, the services provided and the surrounding framework of accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of REGE Revista de Gestão is the property of Emerald Publishing Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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Service user involvement has been spoken and written about for many years in a variety of settings, and is generally considered a good thing. A number of elements of service user involvement have been much debated, including the extent to which service users can realistically be involved in shaping services, who counts as a service user, and how service users can be included when the processes involved in commissioning can be complex and technical. This article considers some of the key issues concerning user involvement in strategic and other commissioning arising from research commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The findings prompt those who are engaged with service user involvement to consider how culture may be as important as, if not more important than, structure when engaging with service users in service design and delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social Enterprise (SE) has a vital role to play in helping meet some main commitments for Korea-growing economy; supporting stronger communities; closing opportunity gap-together with the developing a vibrant third sector. The Strategy and action plan is intend to grow and develop us of social enterprise business model in Korea. The sustainable strategy and action plan will be useful for Korea's Social enterprise. This paper will suggest that from the sustainable strategy to action plan of social enterprise in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will explore the link between authority and leadership in a third sector context. It will outline acevo's leadership model and provide Insights into the current challenges being faced by leaders In the third sector. The article emphasises the importance of acevo's code of conduct an a guarantee for great leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The journey to find the right vehicle for delivering learning disability services is set in the context of foundation trust and social enterprise options being introduced into the wider NHS. The Ridgeway Partnership shares the challenges it is facing as an integrated service that is caught in the middle of these options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]