Local Service Provision in Selected OECD Countries: Do Decentralized Operations Work Better?

37 Pages Posted: 24 Mar 2008

See all articles by Giorgio Brosio

Giorgio Brosio

University of Turin

Ehtisham Ahmad

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Date Written: March 2008

Abstract

There is a widespread presumption that decentralization improves public service provision. This has led to policy prescriptions that are assiduously adhered to by countries and international. This paper reviews the recent evidence from OECD countries - which is seen to be inconclusive. This suggests the need for a careful design of programs that take into account the political economy constraints and incentives, as well as more systematic and thorough evaluations of outcomes.

Suggested Citation

Brosio, Giorgio and Ahmad, Ehtisham, Local Service Provision in Selected OECD Countries: Do Decentralized Operations Work Better? (March 2008). IMF Working Paper No. 08/67, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1112209

Giorgio Brosio (Contact Author)

University of Turin ( email )

Facoltà di Economia
Corso Unione Sovietica 218 bis
Torino, 10134
Italy

Ehtisham Ahmad

International Monetary Fund (IMF) ( email )

700 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20431
United States