Abstract
This paper addresses the power-autonomy relations implicated in instances of decentralization taking place in tandem with the adoption of performance measurement regimes. It argues that we may get a more adequate understanding of such instances of decentralization by regarding them as power exercised through autonomy, or as regulation of self-regulation, than by seeing them as zero-sum games in which power is transferred from central to local authorities. Understanding decentralization as power exercised through autonomy allows us to identify and explore situations in which decentralization does not imply less intervention by central authorities, but actually more. It also enables us to address the way in which performance measurement regimes reinforce the (questionable) assumption that local autonomy actually makes a difference to central policy goals. The introduction of a performance measurement regime in Danish employment policy is used as a case to illustrate the analytical potential of this understanding.
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