Enhetsstøtte

Enhetsstøtte is a Norwegian term that translates to unit support and refers to the services, resources, and activities provided to a distinct organizational unit to enable it to function effectively. It is used in public administration, municipal services, healthcare, education, and private organizations. The concept emphasizes support tailored to the needs of the unit, rather than organization-wide services.

Typical components of enhetsstøtte include administrative services, financial accounting and budgeting, human resources, information technology, procurement, facilities management, communications, and compliance. The aim is to relieve unit managers from routine but essential tasks and to improve efficiency, consistency, and control within the unit.

Delivery models vary. Centralized or shared services involve a central unit delivering services to many units, while decentralized or hybrid models allow units to self-provide some services but receive specialized support from central teams. Service level agreements define performance standards, response times, and cost allocation.

Funding and governance contexts also differ. Enhetsstøtte is often funded through internal charges or grants, with costs allocated based on bases such as headcount, revenue, or usage. Performance is commonly measured through metrics like processing times, error rates, user satisfaction, and budget adherence.

Relation to other concepts includes shared services, administrative support, and internal consulting. Practices and terminology are not uniform across sectors or countries, and local variations in how enhetsstøtte is implemented and described are common.