A Study On The Govemments’ Cataltic Action With Start-Up NGOs During The Proccss Of Socialization Of Public Serviccs

Examining the importance of start-up NGOs and exploringrelationships between start-up NGOs and governments in the process ofsocialization of public services in mainland China, this research employsresource dependence theory as the framework and new publicmanagement theory as the theoretical basis.Socialization of public services can be considered as a process thatthe responsibility of providing public services is transferred fromgovernments to the society. According to practical and theoreticalrequirements, not only governments, but business organization andnon-profit organizations should all become public services’ providers.Because of the backwardness of the third sector’s development inmainland China, a large number of newly established NGOs exist andare faced with the strict registration management system, rigorous lawsor regulations and the lack of funds, etc. Their survival anddevelopment are being threatened. However, they have the potentialsand professional skills to take the responsibilities of providing publicservices of excellent quality and diversity, which can meet the citizen’s“rising expectation” of social services, hence, governments rely onstart-up NGO’s capacity. Simultaneously, start-up NGOs needsgovernments’ economic, legal, and policy support. Thus, the resourcedependence theory demonstrates the cooperation andinterdependence relations between star-up NGOs and governments. According to socialization of public services inherent requirements,government should focus on "Steering" rather than "Rowing", and "Playa catalytic role", which are particularly important for government’sreform in mainland China.This study was implemented with main concern on answering "howshould the government mobilize the enthusiasm of all sectors andstimulate social vitality", as well as on "how to promote the market andsociety to provide social services, hence, to reduce service costs,improve efficiency and quality of service". By introducing and analyzingthe cases of "The Grassroots Grant" and "Shanghai Community VenturePhilanthropy", this study discusses the significance of governmentscultivation on newly established NGOs which provide social services,following by providing suggestions on specific cultivation policies.By using a qualitative, multiple cases study method, semi-structuredinterviews were conducted in Shanghai with staff and leaders of newlyestablished NGOs. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and thedata were analyzed.This research concludes that governments’ catalysis role in therelation with newly established NGOs should be one of the ultimateelements to the process of government reform and social development.The start-up NGOs, especially those in the bottom-up approach, needto be supported by government. The catalytic behaviors of thegovernment are very important for promoting the development ofsocial democracy and civil society. It can promote the efficiency ofpublic services providing and enhance the diversity and quality.