THE USE OF TEMPORARY STAFF AND MANAGERS IN A LOCAL-GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENT

This article employs a case study to assess the relative efficacy of t wo theoretical perspectives in understanding temporary labor use to re structure a county information systems department. Specifically, a dep artment's experience is reviewed in light of transaction cost and soci al network theories-two perspectives that have explanatory potential f or temporary employment systems. The juxtaposition of a temporary, pri vate employment system with a permanent, government labor regime produ ced significant strains and contrasts and important benefits. Particul arly interesting was the use of temporary management in addition to te mporary direct labor in the restructuring. Management's effort to cope with the challenges of restructuring, present interview findings, and quantitative data based on questionnaire responses of 99 temporary an d permanent employees concerning their satisfaction, job and work invo lvement, and interdependence are reviewed. Transaction cost and social network theories complement one another in interpreting questionnaire and interview findings to understand temporary employment systems.