by yang yongheng
public service outsourcing, in essence, is to introduce market mechanism into public service domains, in order to improve service quality and reduce service cost by promoting competition, but it is clear that public service delivery is the responsibility of government. in public service outsourcing, it is the task of public service that has been contracted out to the third party, rather than the responsibility. government should be still responsible for efficient and effective delivery even after outsourcing public services.
the government should clearly recognize its responsibilities and adjust its roles according to the change of public service delivery mode. the government should shift its role from direct provider of public service to regulator, from managing public service units to dealing with public service demand. in terms of management tools, the government should employ economic and legal means instead of administrative ones.
to make enforceable the government’s regulatory system, the standards and norms of public services must be clearly stated and written in the outsourcing contracts. it is also necessary to build a comprehensive regulatory system which integrates the complementary roles of government authorities, citizens and social organizations. besides, citizen evaluation should be included in the performance assessment of the outsourcing enterprises.
apart from this, the outsourcing enterprises should strictly follow the related government procurement laws and regulations.