DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/XHGG-0Q12

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1911-0637

Defense Date

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Public Policy & Administration

First Advisor

Niraj Verma

Second Advisor

Carolyn Watts

Third Advisor

Sarah Jane Brubaker

Fourth Advisor

I-Shian Suen

Abstract

State correctional departments are responsible for all medical care incarcerated individuals require. Many systems outsource their medical

State correctional departments are responsible for all medical care incarcerated individuals require. Many systems outsource their medical program. Literature indicates that many of these contracts experience significant issues that negatively impact state resources, including both personnel and money.

This dissertation explores the relationship between prison administrators' motivations and the structure, outcomes, efficiencies, and partner conflicts that arise in the contractual process. Using a framework developed from Incomplete Contract Theory, Contracts as Reference Points Theory and the concept of “essential tension,” this dissertation hypothesizes that the administrator’s motivation will impact the likelihood of success, contract efficiencies and partnership conflicts in case of prison medical contracts.

The mixed-method study employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Study results indicate a preliminary finding that public administrators’ motivation does correlates with predictable differences in contract design and contract outcomes. States motivated to improve cost control, are more likely to allow the vendor space to manage financial resources but restrict the ability to determine efficient ways to achieve quality, which seems associated with problems in outputs, efficiencies and conflicts.

These findings have implications for contracting and the use of contracts by public administrators. The results suggest that contract completeness is more nuanced than a contract being complete or not complete on the whole. Additionally, the application of completeness and incompleteness in different sections can be an intentional and strategic action on the part of the public administrator that could be used to enhance the usefulness of a complex contract.

. Literature indicates that many of these contracts experience significant issues that negatively impact state resources, including both personnel and money.

This dissertation explores the relationship between prison administrators' motivations and the structure, outcomes, efficiencies, and partner conflicts that arise in the contractual process. Using a framework developed from Incomplete Contract Theory, Contracts as Reference Points Theory and the concept of “essential tension,” this dissertation hypothesizes that the administrator’s motivation will impact the likelihood of success, contract efficiencies and partnership conflicts in case of prison medical contracts.

The mixed-method study employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Study results indicate a preliminary finding that public administrators’ motivation does correlates with predictable differences in contract design and contract outcomes. States motivated to improve cost control, are more likely to allow the vendor space to manage financial resources but restrict the ability to determine efficient ways to achieve quality, which seems associated with problems in outputs, efficiencies and conflicts.

These findings have implications for contracting and the use of contracts by public administrators. The results suggest that contract completeness is more nuanced than a contract being complete or not complete on the whole. Additionally, the application of completeness and incompleteness in different sections can be an intentional and strategic action on the part of the public administrator that could be used to enhance the usefulness of a complex contract.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

12-14-2023

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