Competing for tots: operating objectives and characteristics of for-profit and not-for-profit child care centres in the Pacific Northwest |
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Authors: | Janice Fletcher Teresa P Gordon Thomas Nunamaker Sherrill Richarz |
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Institution: | (1) University of Idaho, 83843 Moscow, Idaho;(2) Washington State University, USA |
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Abstract: | Child care services are provided by profit-oriented businesses, not-forprofit agencies and governmental units. This paper
compares goal priorities and operating characteristics of not-for-profit and for-profit child care centres in parts of Canada
and the United States. Directors of 292 Pacific Northwest centres responded to a survey about their financial and non-financial
operating objectives.
The relative rankings of objectives were similar for not-for-profit and for-profit centres, and for centres in both countries.
Non-financial objectives were rated higher than financial objectives. Satisfying the developmental and educational needs of
children was the single most important operating objective. Providing access to eligible children was the next most important
objective, particularly for not-for-profit centres and for those with government-subsidised children. The remaining objectives,
in order of importance, were minimising costs, maximising utilisation, maximising revenues and maximising profits. Profit
maximisation was ranked low by both not-for-profit and for-profit respondents. Not-for-profit and for-profit centres exhibited
differences on a number of operating characteristics, services provided and employee benefits. Such characteristics were found
to be associated with auspices (not-for-profit or for-profit) and location (US or Canada).
Results suggest that centres operating under both auspices are capable of altruistic behaviour. Differences in motivation
between organisational forms were very small. However, variations in operating characteristics and services suggest that the
objectives are achieved in dissimilar ways. |
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