Dynamics of Performance Management: Constructing Information and Reform

In recent years, governments have responded to criticisms of policy failures by creating new management strategies based on efforts to quantify policy outcomes. Performance management is on the rise, yet its operations and effects are frequently misunderstood.

 

In this March 2009 presentation, Donald Moynihan explored the ambiguity of performance data as objects that must be created, interpreted, and disseminated by political actors. His talk examined the implications for how performance systems actually work, and whether they can be used to actually improve results.

This program was supported by the Cowles Family endowment for the study of public service.

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