Extending the Interdependence Theory to Local Public Service Provision: Evidence from Iowa

Abstract Lester Salamon’s interdependence theory has held up over time and across dozens of national contexts. However, the largely been developed through data on government partnerships with nonprofits for providing social services. While government-nonprofit exist in various service areas policy contexts, rarely applied less “traditional” settings. We apply a mixed-method sequential research design – empirical analysis followed by comparative case to understand descriptive explanatory power differentiate its applications from other theories partnerships. Our shows that are extensively engaged public delivery at local level, partnering county municipal governments carry out essential services well beyond scope welfare functions human Expanding concept theory, our findings further show settings, there is unique balancing aspects both voluntary failure can be achieved.