Evaluating the impact of alternative socially innovative public sector service initiatives on social cohesion (ALLIANCE)

Abstract

Purpose -For many years, proponents of new public management (NPM) have been presenting it as a formula for improving the public sector through making the public sector more businesslike. However, reforms based on NPM have failed to prove that they deliver more efficient, effective and quality services for citizens. The purpose of this paper is to describe to evaluate the effect that alternative socially innovative service initiatives have in facilitating social cohesion. Design/methodology/approach -The ALLIANCE project is designed to be conducted in two main phases. Phase one concentrates on conceptualising the concept (social cohesion and new public management) and ends with a quantitative empirical survey to comparatively measure key performance indicators for pre and post NPM initiatives. Phase two, on the other hand, is focused on identifying and simulating alternative scenarios for service delivery and qualitatively evaluating them.Findings -This research note demonstrates the need for an empirical investigation to measure the impact of pre and post NPM initiatives on improving social cohesion. Originality/value -Using the principles of social entrepreneurs, ALLIANCE will help to establish a better understanding of alternative socially innovative service initiatives to instil social cohesion within the diverse European societies. In this respect, ALLIANCE will facilitate the development of a key performance indicator matrix for measuring social cohesion; and improve stakeholder participation in defining and shaping alternative socially innovative service initiatives for the public sector.

Community, complexity, the public library and community orientation

“…Their success is not measured by profits, but by cost effectiveness, improvement of social cohesion, and quality of people's lives (El-Haddadeh, & Weerakkody: 2012). Measuring these outcomes in Cumbria would be helpful in demonstrating the impact and success of the community initiatives.…”

“…Hamilton-Pennell (2008: 1) thinks that 'public libraries are natural partners in local economic development efforts', and suited to social entrepreneurship. According to the literature there are three dimensions to social entrepreneurship, sociality, innovation, and MO (El-Haddadeh, & Weerakkody, 2012). Cumbria Libraries demonstrates behaviour that could be categorised within all these dimensions.…”