Policy analytical styles and public institutions in Korea

Abstract

This chapter describes the policy analytical styles of the performance management system of public institutions. In Korea, the Ministry of Economy and Finance evaluates and analyses the annual performance of public institutions, which are large state-owned enterprises and quasi-governmental organisations. The chapter explains that the performance management system may be viewed as the so-called ‘rational modern style’, which attempts to quantitatively estimate the performance of public policies. However, the system also has some qualitative evaluation components that complement the quantitative estimation. We also explain that the top-down style of the performance evaluation is an important institutional feature that is observed in many parts of Korean public administration. The conclusion of the chapter is that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ style that can always produce positive outcomes. The effectiveness of a particular policy analytical style may depend on larger contextual elements, including cultural, institutional and political aspects or their various combinations.