Government-Nonprofit Service Delivery from Resource Dependence Theory: Revising with System Dynamics

This study explores the partnership between government and human service nonprofits in the United States from the perspective of resource dependence theory and extends the theory with system dynamics in order to better explain government-nonprofit service delivery. The article is structured as follows. First, I introduce the historical development of the government-nonprofit partnership in service delivery in the United States. Second, I present an overview of resource dependence theory for government-nonprofit service delivery, including assumptions, key elements, claims, how well it explains the government-nonprofit service delivery, and limitations. Third, I highlight the advantages of system dynamics along with the limitations of resource dependence theory, as an attempt to revise the theory. Finally, I conclude with a summary and suggestions for the next steps in theoretical development and research.