Area-based competition and awards as a motivation tool for public service provision: The experience of Xining, China

Abstract

This chapter examines the role of area-based competitions and awards in motivating local government investment in, and provision of, public services. These policy tools are compared with other motivation models such as consumer choice and targeting/benchmarking. It is argued that area-based competition is particularly useful in two aspects: motivating local authorities, and enhancing public awareness. It is especially useful in policy areas related to improving the public environment. The experience of China in organizing competition projects to improve public hygiene provides an example of how this can be achieved. A case study of Xining City, Qinghai Province is used to illustrate the roles and limitations of the approach. Show more