Publicization, privatization, synthesis, tradition: options for public-private configuration (1)

Abstract

In contrast to the attention paid to the privatization movement, relatively little heed has been given to a related and similarly large and important trend toward publicization. In publicization, a public sector organization proactively undertakes actions or responsibilities, and takes on characteristics, usually identified in that given setting with the private sector. An example of this movement appears at the local level of government: the ongoing funding available from Urban Development Action Grant and Community Development Block Grant programs is invested in development projects that private sector firms undertake. After discussing these examples, the article develops the concept of publicization and examines it in relation to the well-established concept of privatization. Based especially on the work of E.S. Savas, a typology is developed to place both publicization and privatization in a broader framework of public-private configurations. The typology indicates the relationship among publicization, privatization, and the additional categories of synthesis and tradition.