Public vs. Private Prison Management: A Case Comparison

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Abstract
This study evaluates the private operation of a prison in comparison to its previous operation by a state agency, using a series of management-related performance measures derived from surveys of staff and from institutional records. The results are consistent with prior research in favoring private over public prison management on a majority of quantifiable comparisons. Qualitative data drawn from staff comments and from field observations support the quantitative comparisons and help to interpret them in terms of differences in organizational structure and climate. The private prison's advantages displayed the following pattern: a better designed facility; greater operational and administrative flexibility; decentralized authority and good communications; more performance-based personnel management; higher morale, enthusiasm, and sense of ownership among staff; greater experience and leadership among top administrators; and stricter, "by the book" governance of inmates. These traits may be fostered by the structure, incentives, and environment of private management.

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