Dimensions of Public Agencies

Abstract

This chapter discusses various aspects of agency, autonomy, control, and decentralization in the context of different organizations and institutions, such as state bodies, semi-autonomous organizations, private law-based organizations, and commercial companies. The definition of an agency varies based on the type of organization, its legal status, and its relationship with other organizations. The chapter also explores different forms of decentralization, such as territorial decentralization and technical decentralization, and the challenges that arise with each. The concept of Latour's chain of translation is introduced to describe the transformation of ideas through intercessors. The passage concludes by discussing the importance of institutional arrangements, constitutional and legal demands, political culture, and public values in determining the meaning of agency and its relationship with other organizations.