In many Western countries, options for citizens to influence public services are increased to improve the quality of services and democratize decision making. Possibilities to influence are often cast into Albert Hirschman's taxonomy of exit (choice), voice, and loyalty. In this article we identify delegation as an important addition to this framework. Delegation gives individuals the chance to practice exit/choice or voice without all the hard work that is usually involved in these options. Empirical research shows that not many people use their individual options of exit and voice, which could lead to inequality between users and nonusers. We identify delegation as a possible solution to this problem, using Dutch health care as a case study to explore this option. Notwithstanding various advantages, we show that voice and choice by delegation also entail problems of inequality and representativeness.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
February 1, 2013
Research Article|
February 01 2013
Voice and Choice by Delegation
J Health Polit Policy Law (2013) 38 (1): 57–87.
Citation
Hester van de Bovenkamp, Hans Vollaard, Margo Trappenburg, Kor Grit; Voice and Choice by Delegation. J Health Polit Policy Law 1 February 2013; 38 (1): 57–87. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-1898803
Download citation file:
Advertisement