Municipally owned corporations and autonomy in centralized states—A comparative analysis of Turkey and Israel

Özer I., Tan E., Razin E., Hazan A.

Public Money and Management, vol.44, no.7, pp.594-603, 2024 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 44 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09540962.2023.2271245
  • Journal Name: Public Money and Management
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Periodicals Index Online, ABI/INFORM, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Political Science Complete, Public Administration Abstracts, Public Affairs Index
  • Page Numbers: pp.594-603
  • Keywords: Agencification, arm’s-length bodies, autonomy, centralization, Israel, local government, municipally owned corporations (MOCs), Turkey
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

IMPACT: This article investigates the autonomy and control of municipally owned corporations (MOCs) in the context of two centralized states: Turkey and Israel. It identifies the strategic and operational autonomy of MOCs, referring to logics of appropriateness and consequentiality explanations for factual autonomy. The study emphasizes the hybrid nature of most MOCs, subject to both private and public law. It proposes a new typology based on MOCs’ legal structures to address limitations of current typologies. The comparative analysis using the new typology provides nuanced understanding of MOC autonomy in centralized states and equips practitioners with insights that can lead to tangible improvements. Results may steer further comparative research to identify broader patterns of control in MOC governance. They also provide practitioners and policy-makers with insights on fostering more efficient and effective MOC governance, and proposing evidence-based policy recommendations that balance the autonomy and control of MOCs.