Performance Management Reform in Macao

Abstract

This chapter examines the problems in the Macao civil service, the efforts in performance management reform, how the problems in the civil service had hindered the reform, and future development. The government’s reform strategy was based on the reform experiences in other countries, including: the United States, Canada, the UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and New Zealand. The reform, including performance management, was based on some well-known theories and concepts originated from these countries, including New Public Management, Citizen’s Charter, re-inventing government, and Total Quality Management (TQM). The reform effort has stressed a holistic approach, emphasizing improving management process as much as program results, hence moving toward TQM. In 2003, the government commissioned a study by an academic institute to examine the international practices in civil service reform, in particular in the recruitment, career development and promotion, retrenchment, and retirement of civil servants.