A discursive study of institutionalisation in community organisations
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
ISSN: 0144-333X
Article publication date: 30 October 2007
Abstract
Purpose
The institutionalisation of neo‐liberalist discourse has significantly changed the way in which the relationship between government and community organisations is described and regulated in Australia. These changes are most clearly articulated in government policy discourse as a move away from “funding” community service organisations to “purchasing” the delivery of community services. This research aims to explore institutionalisation in the community sector: how institutionalisation interplays with increased central control, the impact on practice and the continued relevance of community organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
This research applies critical discourse analysis, within the framework of neo‐institutional theory, to examine data from “conversations” with workers in community organisations.
Findings
Imposed institutionalisation, seen to threaten flexibility and autonomy, is spurned. However, some evidence of increased internal institutionalisation revealed some potential to strengthen the sector from within.
Originality/value
Due to significant devolution of government services, the extent of welfare provision provided by community organisations is now so great that a crisis in the community sector would result in severe disruption in the delivery of welfare services in Australia. An examination of how the community sector can be resilient and relevant in this new policy environment has important practical implications at the local and international level.
Keywords
Citation
O'Shea, P. (2007), "A discursive study of institutionalisation in community organisations", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 27 No. 11/12, pp. 483-493. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443330710835837
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited