Extending the Interdependence Theory to Local Public Service Provision: Evidence from Iowa

Abstract Lester Salamon’s interdependence theory has held up over time and across dozens of national contexts. However, the theory has largely been developed through data on government partnerships with nonprofits for providing social services. While government-nonprofit partnerships exist in various service areas and policy contexts, the theory has rarely been applied in less “traditional” service settings. We apply a mixed-method sequential research design – empirical analysis followed by a comparative case analysis – to understand the descriptive and explanatory power of Salamon’s interdependence theory and to differentiate its applications from other theories of government-nonprofit partnerships. Our analysis shows that nonprofits are extensively engaged in public service delivery at the local level, partnering with county and municipal governments to carry out essential public services well beyond the scope of social welfare functions and human services. Expanding the concept of interdependence theory, our findings further show that in local service delivery settings, there is a unique balancing of aspects of both voluntary and government failure that can be achieved.