Indicateurs, évaluation et typologie des objectifs : Contrôle de gestion et performance sociale

Abstract

The evaluation of public policy relies on a model in which the public authorities agree on goals, which the administration seeks to accomplish together with its partners. In one way or another, it attempts to contrast the goals against the results obtained, while explaining disparities. The conclusions derived from such a comparison are then applied to reform bills and policies. This typical and ideal process hardly works when applied to State policies: The LOLF's efforts to "manage performance" were thwarted, the evaluation reports spark criticisms from the moment they are published rendering the implementation of any of their proposals impossible... The article offers an explanation by clarifying the fundamental difference in nature that exists between the definition for "goals" in the domains of politics and management. Therefore, the success of public policies is dependent on the joint construction of the State apparatus, involving all its partners and attempting to reach compromises on the actions to be executed. Evaluation in all its forms is a useful means to achieve this goal, as long as the varied scales of value are taken into account and the stakeholders are engaged. © E.N.A. Tous droits réservés pour tous pays.