The Palgrave Handbook of Co-Production of Public Services and Outcomes

Abstract

Despite co-production theory’s versatility in explaining collective forms of public service delivery, it does not receive much attention in third-sector theory or research. This chapter introduces the reader to major theories of third-sector behaviour, focusing on those with the most interest in joint nonprofit-government action. The chapter argues that co-production may help to close a gap in third-sector theory development, which has been criticised for too much emphasis on demand-side considerations and on a residual view of nonprofit behaviour vis-à-vis the state, market and community. Co-production, by contrast, takes a supply-side view and speaks to the contemporary, systems-oriented view of service delivery across the sectors. However, when co-productive activity is carried out by organised, nonprofit action, problems of public accountability must be addressed.