Bruce Wallin
Elliott Sclar does a wonderful job of placing the debate in its proper theoretical context, which few others do, and explaining rather complex concepts in an easily understood style — no small feat. I was stunned by Sclar's ability to describe obtuse theories so readily — there are 'gems' throughout. He has a gift.
— Bruce Wallin, Northeastern University
October Choice
Sclar... has written a highly readable... account... which ought to be required reading for those engaged in contracting out government services. Recommended for public, academic, and professional library collections.
Martin D. Hanlon
Elliott Sclar's critique will serve as a valuable reality check against the rush to private contracting as the solution to government's problems. In this empirically rich, closely reasoned book, Sclar shows how privatization diverts attention from effective strategies for government reform that are based on innovation, employee involvement, and the redesign of services.
From the Publisher
Elliot Sclar's important new book, You Don't Always Get What You Pay For: The Economics of Privatization....shows, in an accessible and non-technical style that, to understand the strengths and weaknesses of public service privatization, it is necessary to understand the theory behind the policy.
Robert H. Frank
Proponents of greater reliance of private contracting for government services, among whom I count myself, often speak as if privatization guarantees better results at lower costs. But Elliott Sclar's careful analysis of the historical record will persuade all but the most hardened skeptic that this is not always true. You Don't Always Get What You Pay For should be required reading for government reform advocates from all parts of the political spectrum.
John D. Donahue
How to describe You Don't Always Get What You Pay For—as practical assessment anchored by theory, or as theory enriched by real-world examples? From either angle, Elliott Sclar freshens and deepens an important debate.
Edward S. Herman
This book by Elliot Sclar is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the bases and consequences of the still powerful drive to privatize... In short, Sclar's book is a work of enlightenment... It should be studied closely by anybody with a serious interest in these important issues.
