The Dynamics of Performance Management

The Dynamics of Performance Management is a richly detailed description of the influence of the performance movement in American government. [Moynihan's] use of the interactive dialogue model in his analysis of state-level applications of performance management provides a fresh and thoughtful perspective which advances our understanding of public sector performance. -- H. George Frederickson, University of Kansas Donald Moynihan's clear-headed analysis of the widespread diffusion of performance reforms in government is excellent. The major questions he poses are fundamental: Why these performance reforms? What difference have they made? Are we-should we be-learning important lessons? His answers have important implications for both the analysis and the design of performance reforms. -- Patricia Ingraham, Binghamton University

Drawing on research from state and federal levels, this book illustrates how governments have emphasized some aspects of performance management - such as building measurement systems to acquire more performance data - but have neglected organizational change that would facilitate the use of such information.Efficiency, Innovation, Results, and Accountability - These, advocates claim, are the fruits of performance management. In recent decades government organizations have eagerly embraced the performance model - but the rush to reform has not delivered as promised. Drawing on research from state and federal levels, Moynihan illustrates how governments have emphasized some aspects of performance management - such as building measurement systems to acquire more performance data - but have neglected wider organizational change that would facilitate the use of such information.In his analysis of why and how governments in the United States have made the move to performance systems, Moynihan identifies agency leadership, culture, and resources as keys to better implementation, goal-based learning, and improved outcomes. How do governments use the performance information generated under performance systems? Moynihan develops a model of interactive dialogue to highlight how performance data, which promised to optimize decision making and policy change for the public's benefit, has often been used selectively to serve the interests of particular agencies and individuals, undermining attempts at interagency problem solving and reform. A valuable resource for public administration scholars and administrators, "The Dynamics of Performance Management" offers fresh insight into how government organizations can better achieve their public service goals.