Citizen satisfaction with public service delivery: A test of alternative theories

Two prevailing theories explain citizen satisfaction with public services from different levels and sizes of government. Reform theory argues that citizens derive the most satisfaction from larger government units because of economies of scale in service delivery. Political economy theory argues that citizens achieve the most satisfaction from smaller local government units since their voice is more likely to be heard. Both theories have been tested yielding mixed findings. An alternative theory argues that citizens have different levels of satisfaction depending upon the specific services received and directly experienced. These theories are tested using Canadian national public opinion survey data.