Procurement of Dutch housing associations' technical management services: A decision framework

摘要

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a systematic connection between the special institutional environment of the Dutch social housing sector, public tasks for the social housing sector, the organisational goals of housing associations, and their procurement strategy for technical management services. Design/methodology/approach – Based on expert interviews, expert meetings and a literature review, a conceptual model is created that helps focusing the procurement of technical management services. Findings – For social enterprises such as housing associations, just as all for-profit enterprises, the determination of strategic organisational directions is essential for success. The literature review revealed few possible strategic focal points for housing associations: financial performances and social performances. The procurement of technical management can contribute shaping these performances. Making the right choices in the supplier selection, based on the strategic focal direction of housing associations, enables housing associations to improve organisational effectiveness. Research limitations/implications – The research is directed towards the organisational goals of housing associations, while the procurement strategy of housing associations should also be based on the characteristics of the different items that are procured. Further detailed research is needed to decide on appropriate procurement strategies for different products and services purchased by housing associations. Practical implications – Procurement strategy and in particular supplier selection and specification choices can be adapted to the specific situation of social enterprises, such as housing associations, and be connected to the strategic directions of the individual organisation. Originality/value – This paper aims at narrowing this knowledge gap, for academics, purchasers and housing associations' general managers.