A contingency theory perspective on the risk management control system within Birmingham City Council

In recent years the topic of risk management has moved up the agenda of both government and industry, and private sector initiatives to improve risk and internal control systems have been mirrored by similar promptings for change in the public sector. Both regulators and practitioners now view risk management as an integral part of the process of corporate governance, and an aid to the achievement of strategic objectives. The paper uses case study material on the risk management control system at Birmingham City Council to extend existing theory by developing a contingency theory for the public sector. The case demonstrates that whilst the structure of the control system fits a generic model, the operational details indicate that controls are contingent upon three core variables—central government policies, information and communication technology and organisational size. All three contingent variables are suitable for testing the theory across the broader public sector arena.

Birmingham City Council v Abdulla

Case law report - online

City Council President Carol Bellamy at City Hall for the Women's March

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First woman City Council President of New York City Carol Bellamy

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City Council President and NY State Senator Karen Burstein, on left, at International Women's Year conference in Houston

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First woman City Council President of New York City Carol Bellamy

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Betty Friedan with City Council Woman Carol Greitzer at Second Women's March

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Pete Fisher of GAA speaking to City Council for Intro 2

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