Ownership as an instrument of policy and understanding in the public sphere: trends and research agenda

Abstract

Ownership in the public sphere has policy and analytical significance in the exercise of public power. The last 30 years have witnessed several notable trends involving ownership and regulation, public and private law, financial outlays and returns, shareholders and stakeholders, and principals and agents. The trends are identified and addressed, leading to suggested lines of ownership-based research on power, leadership and organisational maturity in and beyond government.