Voice and Choice by Delegation

* Paper: Voice and Choice by Delegation. By Hester van de Bovenkamp, Hans Vollaard et al. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law Advance Publication, published on October 10, 2012

URL = http://www.margotrappenburg.nl/publicaties/voiceandchoicebydelegation.pdf

Food for thought for the advocates of liquid democracy.

Abstract

"In many Western countries, options for citizens to influence public services are increased to improve the quality of services and democratize decision making. Possibilities to influence are often cast into Albert Hirschman’s taxonomy of exit (choice), voice, and loyalty. In this article we identify delegation as an important addition to this framework. Delegation gives individuals the chance to practice exit/ choice or voice without all the hard work that is usually involved in these options. Empirical research shows that not many people use their individual options of exit and voice, which could lead to inequality between users and nonusers. We identify delegation as a possible solution to this problem, using Dutch health care as a case study to explore this option. Notwithstanding various advantages, we show that voice and choice by delegation also entail problems of inequality and representativeness." (http://democracyspot.net/2012/10/19/voice-and-choice-by-delegation/)