Public Sector Performance Measurement

摘要: INTRODUCTION How do you know what have received for your money? The private sector has a general term to answer that question--widgets. What are widgets in the public sector? focuses on financial resources used produce our products and services rather than produced. Political processes determine input decisions elaborate budgeting management techniques employed ensure accountability. about monitoring consequences of programs, produced by government agencies, day-to-day activities within bureaucracies? To extent tracks answers these questions, we so with performance measures. They sector. As Epstein (1988:3) points out, "[T]he simplest way think this topic is analogy sector: measurement government's determining whether [or not] it providing quality product at reasonable cost." This article reviews evolution governmental measure concept comments its contemporary development four sections: history, state art, theoretical considerations, conclusions. history section traces art current applications systems international, national, local levels. discusses change conceptual assumptions concerning measurement. last suggests implications developments movement terms future administration. HISTORY: PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT Modern can be traced turn century progressive scientific movement. following early beginnings from Frederick Taylor Bureau Municipal Research through modern work Urban Institute. father management, Taylor, rejected subjective means define stressed importance objective measures describing work. argued establishment standards rigorous systematic investigation. He particularly known his time motion studies closely examined how individuals accomplished their However, was not satisfied merely A positivist epistemology, interested improving performance. Objective were ends because descriptions improve production process. In other words, Taylor's goal only describe accurately but also aid decision-making process (Fry, 1989). New York Research, political movement, largely created study administration United States brought thinking into bureau reform strengthen executive branch making more professional, increasing administrative powers relative legislative branch, capability sophisticated management. Influenced rational, principles designed community service. civic-oriented approach bureau's municipal reformers reflected Burke's (1912:366) efficiency management: primary purpose municipality furnish occasional opportunities casting ballots, revising charters, or recalling officials promote protect health, education, safety, convenience, happiness citizens . …