The role of performance measurement and management systems in changing public organizations: An exploratory study

Abstract

IMPACT: The most recent administrative reforms aim not only to open up public organizations to citizens but also to encourage other organizations to take similar initiatives, namely in collaboration, transparency and the availability of information. So they need performance measurement and management systems (PMMS) that allow them to be closer to their stakeholders and dynamically promote effective organizational change. This article shows that a PMMS can be a mediation instrument in the effective implementation of administrative reforms. It will help managers and employees of public organizations understand how to improve performance measurement processes and mitigate dysfunctional behaviours that cause unintended effects on organizational performance. ABSTRACT In recent decades, governments worldwide have used administrative reforms to change public organizations. The initial concerns were to increase their efficiency but, more recently, it has been their openness to society. Performance measurement and management systems (PMMS) have been used on this changing path to support public managers’ decision-making, although not always successfully. This study contributes to the current debate on using PMMS to align public organizations with the needs of citizens and remaining stakeholders.