THE ADVENT OF MANAGERIALISM IN SOCIAL WELFARE: THE CASE OF HONG KONG

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been the major provider of social welfare services in Hong Kong. Facing an economic downturn, the Hong Kong government decides to enhance cost-effectiveness and accountability in social service through the introduction of market values and business management practices. Market-oriented practices include contracting out, competitive bidding, performance monitoring and lump-sum grant. The appeal of these practices lies in the possibility of lowering costs, but their long-term effect on quality and stability of services is largely uncertain. With the emergence of competition and deregulation in social welfare, NGOs have to face formidable challenges to change their traditional philosophies and mode of operations. The reform implicates the redefinition of the relationship between the government and NGOs, and between social workers and their NGO employers. This paper points out the need to adopt a cautious and consensus approach to introduce welfare reforms. 非政府机构为香港社会福利的最大提供者。 面对经济不景， 香港政府决定引入市场导向和工商管理的措施， 以提高社会服 务的成本效益和问责性。 市场导向的措施包括外判、 投标、 表现监察及一笔过拨款。 这些措施吸引人的地方是可以降 低成本，但长此下去可能影响服务质素和稳定性。 随著出现竞争和取消管制， 非政府机构将要改变其固有的哲学和运作 的方式。 福利改革重新订定政府和非政府机构的关系， 亦改变社工的雇佣的关系。 本文指出在福利改革中， 有需要采 取审慎的态度去寻求共识。