The contest for a community diagnostic laboratory contract in New Zealand: The influence of neo-liberalism in the public health sector

Introduction: The purpose of this paper was to examine the management of contracting for a diagnostic laboratory health service for the Auckland region in New Zealand, using the concept of governmentality. Methods: Our aim is to provide an overview of a recent case of neoliberal policy implementation, to illustrate how unintended and costly policy outcomes can occur. Results: Despite the effort of government to improve management of the public health sector, analysis of this case reveals the potentially disruptive effects and costs of neo-liberal reform policy. Conclusions: In this study, the costs of neo-liberal reform appear to have unintentionally prevailed over benefits for those the system was designed to serve. Contribution to knowledge: This research has practical implications in that it provides insight into potential and costly outcomes when implementing public health service policy. © W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2014

'Acting like chameleons’: on the McDonaldization of private security

Private security is a fragmented industry with tens of thousands of small- and medium-sized suppliers worldwide. However, with the arrival in the market of multinational brands such as Group 4 Securicor and Securitas, we are witnessing a McDonaldization of security commodities. This development signals the global introduction of recognizable logos and uniforms along with standardized services and products. After providing the latest statistics on the growth of private security in Europe, we give examples of how the McDonaldization of this industry is evolving throughout the continent. Our examples illustrate that, following the lead of traditional corporate customers, governments have also started to use contract guards and other private security services. This article also addresses the driving forces behind the rise of multinational security companies, and the opportunities and challenges they present to Western societies. © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Ltd