Sharing services, saving money? Five risks to cost-saving when organizations share services. Issue 5 (28th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elston, Thomas; MacCarthaigh, Muiris
• Is Part Of: Public money & management. Volume 36:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 356
• Publication Date: 2016-07-28
• Subjects: Centralization -- cost-saving -- efficiency gains -- organization theory -- shared services; Finance, Public -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Economic policy -- 1945-1964 -- Periodicals; 336.005
• DOI: 10.1080/09540962.2016.1194081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0962

Abstract

Abstract : Shared services are a popular reform for governments under financial pressure. The hope is to reduce overheads and increase efficiency by providing support services like HR, finance and procurement once to multiple agencies. The authors identify five risks that shared services won't live up to expectations. Each is illustrated with international evidence, before the conclusion discusses ways to manage these risks.