Original
Beyond dyads: an ecosystem approach to third-sector legitimacy in public services
Abstract
Third-sector organizations (TSOs) play an increasing role in public service provision, yet their legitimacy remains underexplored beyond dyadic and organization-centric accounts. This paper develops an ecosystem-based explanation by integrating legitimacy theory with the Public Service Ecosystem (PSE) framework. Drawing on a qualitative multi-case study of four TSOs delivering children’s services in Scotland, the findings show that legitimacy emerges through interdependencies among actors and institutions across macro, meso, and micro levels. Three mechanisms are identified: institutional translation, leadership coordination, and temporal reconfiguration. The study conceptualizes legitimacy as an emergent, cross-level process and a central dynamic shaping coordination and participation within PSEs.
中文
超越二元关系：公共服务中第三部门合法性的生态系统路径
摘要
第三部门组织（TSOs）在公共服务供给中扮演着日益重要的角色，但其合法性在二元关系与以组织为中心的解释之外仍缺乏充分探讨。本文通过将合法性理论与公共服务生态系统（PSE）框架相结合，提出一种基于生态系统的解释。基于对苏格兰四家提供儿童服务的TSO的定性多案例研究，研究发现合法性通过宏观、中观和微观层面上的行动者与制度之间的相互依赖而涌现。研究识别出三种机制：制度转译、领导协调与时间性重构。本研究将合法性概念化为一种涌现性的跨层次过程，以及塑造PSE内部协调与参与的核心动态。
关键词
第三部门组织、合法性、公共服务生态系统、公共服务供给、苏格兰、定性多案例研究、跨层次过程、制度转译