A1 Journal article (refereed)
Governing hybrid organisations : Lessons from the provision of local sports facility services in 2020s Finland (2024)

Huhtanen, K., Salmikangas, A., & Itkonen, H. (2024). Governing hybrid organisations : Lessons from the provision of local sports facility services in 2020s Finland. Australian Journal of Public Administration, Early View. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8500.12641

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Huhtanen, Kerkko; Salmikangas, Anna‐Katriina; Itkonen, Hannu

Journal or series: Australian Journal of Public Administration

ISSN: 0313-6647

eISSN: 1467-8500

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 28/04/2024

Volume: Early View

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Publication country: Australia

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8500.12641

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94669

Abstract

The Finnish welfare society is based on strong public and civic sectors with an emerging private sector. In the context of sports, the public sector's statutory task has been to provide opportunities and facilities for citizens, whereas the civic sector has been responsible for organising activities. However, since the 1990s, economic recessions, new public management doctrines, and other societal changes have mixed this institutionalised setting and increased hybridity in the provision of public services. This study examines how hybridity is manifested and governed in the provision of local sports facility services in contemporary Finland through a literature review and a multiple case study focusing on three sports facility construction projects. The projects had partners from all societal sectors and, organisationally, assumed different forms: privately owned, sports clubs co-owned, and municipally owned enterprises. The case data consist of thematic interviews and project documentation and are analysed with theory-driven content analysis. The study deepens understanding of the mixed ownership structures, various funding arrangements, control mechanisms, and management of goal incongruency found in hybrid facility-provider organisations. Additionally, it describes changing roles and challenges that municipalities face in hybrid settings and develops recommendations for future research on hybridity and sports policy.

Keywords: municipalities; public services; welfare state; physical activity services; sports grounds and physical exercise facilities

Free keywords: hybrid governance; municipalities; public service provision; sports facilities

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1