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How do politicians shape and use budgets to govern public sector organizations? A position-practice approach

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  • Jean Claude Mutiganda

Abstract

This paper examines politicians’ influence on budgets in governing public sector organizations. Theoretical reasoning is based on the position-practice concept applied in structuration theory. Research took place in a hospital district in Finland from 2009 to 2015. The findings show that politicians set coercive budgetary policies, but there was no direct relationship between budgets and actual medical practices. As a result, the budget was simply a ‘ceremonial’ tool of political governance, as medical professionals concentrate on delivering healthcare services.

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  • Jean Claude Mutiganda, 2016. "How do politicians shape and use budgets to govern public sector organizations? A position-practice approach," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(7), pages 491-498, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:pubmmg:v:36:y:2016:i:7:p:491-498
    DOI: 10.1080/09540962.2016.1237133
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