Special characteristics of public-private relationships - The case of Finnish Defence Forces

Public sector faces challenges in developing operat ions that are more efficient. Public-private relati onships have certain special characteristics that have to b e understood in order to be successful in inter- organizational relationships. This paper provides a case study of public-private relationships in the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF). This public service is impor tant for the whole country and financial efficiency is only a secondary issue in managing the service. A partne rship programme has studied possibilities of using private companies in supporting activities of the FDF. Cult ural differences between industrial companies and t he FDF create challenges in the relationships. In gene ral, the decision-making environment in the FDF, compared with companies, is much more complex inclu ding politicians, officials and military officers at different levels. Concepts of the interaction appr oach provide a helpful tool for analyzing the rela tionship environment and challenges.