Shared service strategies in local government – a multiple case study exploration
Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy
ISSN: 1750-6166
Article publication date: 3 August 2010
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to investigate into the shared services phenomenon in the context of government reforms. It especially aims to address the emergence and shaping of shared services. The paper seeks to develop the notion of shared service centres (SSCs) and shared service networks (SSNs).
Design/methodology/approach
An interview‐ and document analysis‐based multiple case study was conducted in Germany. The qualitative analysis covered two shared service projects on the local government level.
Findings
Important preconditions for shared service emergence are identified, including cost pressure as motive, the existence of key actors as well as the existence of prior cooperation. Moreover, the paper provides evidence that the structure of previous cooperation exerts influence on if shared services are organized in a centralised (SSC) or decentralised format (SSN).
Research limitations/implications
The case selection is a possible limitation of the presented study. The selected cases give an insight into the topic of shared service configuration. The findings derived constitute indicators of possible patterns, which have to be approved by further research in order to identify reliable causal relationships and improve generalisablity of the results presented here.
Originality/value
An insight into conditions of adaptation and shaping of shared services is given, suggesting causal relationships for further theory testing and development.
Keywords
Citation
Niehaves, B. and Krause, A. (2010), "Shared service strategies in local government – a multiple case study exploration", Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 266-279. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506161011065235
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited