The "business" metaphor in the delivery of human services

A critique is presented of the application of business concepts to the delivery of human services. It is first established that such application involves the use of a metaphor. Some notions of how metaphors function are then presented and used to describe how the "business" metaphor may operate in its application to the delivery of mental health services. Both potential benefits and problems that may result from such an application are discussed. It is concluded that "business" is not an appropriate metaphor for the delivery of human services.