Why engage in co-production of public services? Mixing theory and empirical evidence

Abstract

Through processes of co-production, citizens collaborate with public service agents in the provision of public services. Despite the research attention given to co-production, some major gaps in our knowledge remain. One of these concerns the question why citizens engage in processes of co-production of public services. In this article, a theoretical model is built that brings the human factor into the study of co-production. The model explains citizens’ engagement in co-production referring to citizens’ perceptions of the co-production task and of their competency to contribute to the public service delivery process, citizens’ individual characteristics, and their self-interested and community-focused motivations. Empirical evidence from four co-production cases in the Netherlands and Belgium is used to demonstrate the model’s usefulness. The academic and practical relevance of the findings and suggestions for further research are discussed. Points for practitioners Governments seek ways to engage a broad range of citizens, especially as only a limited number of citizens respond to government’s initiatives to involve citizens. Insights about citizens’ engagement are tested in four cases: Client councils in health care organizations for elderly persons and in organizations for disabled people, representative advisory councils at primary schools, and neighborhood watches. Practitioners can learn more about what drives citizens to engage in co-production. This enables them to improve their methods of participant recruitment.