Does privatization serve the public interest?

Abstract

"Does Privatization Serve the Public Interest?" ask John B. Goodman and Gary W. Loveman. Supporters of privatization claim that it will bring more efficiency and better quality. Critics, however, argue that other values--the broader public interest--must be accounted for. The authors draw a valuable lesson from the debate over corporate takeovers: the form of ownership is less important than the establishment of managerial accountability.