Use Of Performance Information Research Articles

A Study on Behavioral Pattern of Performance Information Use in the Public Sector: A Case of Central Government Agencies

A Study on Behavioral Pattern of Performance Information Use in the Public Sector: A Case of Central Government Agencies

The Impact of Performance Management Under Environmental Turbulence

Performance management is an established concept in the public sector, with several empirical studies supporting its beneficial impact on organizational performance. Research on performance management, however, is still in initial stages and mostly examines the impact of this practice under stable environmental conditions. This study adds to the literature by analyzing the effect of this system on performance of local transit agencies in a turbulent environment characterized by the Great Recession and its aftermath. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on survey responses from 162 local transit agencies in the United States is used to extract the four components of performance management, namely, formal strategic planning, logical incrementalism, performance measurement, and performance information use. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis shows that an independent use of formal strategic planning and logical incrementalism has a negative impact on organizational performance under turbulence. Performance measurement and a blend of formal strategic planning and logical incrementalism, however, show a positive impact.

Public managers’ perception of performance information: the evidence from Polish local governments

ABSTRACTPerformance management requires wise utilization of performance information to generate expected results. The framework of Performance Information Utilization (PIU) explains why and how performance information is used in the public sector, although it does so without recognizing the role of the information user’s perception. This article adapts the information system theories to conceptualize perception of performance information (PPI). Statistical analysis confirmed the validity of the construct and showed a significant relationship between quality and usefulness of performance information, and usefulness of multiple performance information systems. Tested model offers new insights in explaining the use of performance information in local governments.

The impact of accreditation agencies and other powerful stakeholders on the performance measurement in Polish universities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the understanding of how internal organisational processes change in response to external demands, by investigating the changes undertaken by two Polish business schools (b-schools) in anticipation of and in response to the demands of accreditation agencies (AAs) and other powerful stakeholders. Specifically, it examines the internal research-related performance measurement (PM) system and changes in the use of performance information (PI).Design/methodology/approachThe case study method is adopted, using data from publicly available documents and interviews with the faculty and management at the two schools. The data are interpreted and analysed using the neo-institutional theory.FindingsPowerful stakeholders are the primary reason for changes in PM systems and the manner in which PI is used. Specifically, AAs reflect an additional layer in the PM system, allowing for a downward cascading PI effect. This also leads to a wider use of PI across different organisational levels.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focusses on two case studies in a region still undergoing transition. Thus, this analysis could be reinforced through additional cases, different data collection methods and cross-country and between-country comparative analyses.Originality/valueThe changes in PM systems and particularly the use of PI are discussed in the context of Polish higher education (HE) and, more broadly, the entire Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. Moreover, the consideration of two b-school cases facilitates a comparative analysis of the differences in PM systems and the use of PI in the context of stakeholders’ PI needs.

Routine and nonroutine performance information: an assessment about substitution and complementarity

ABSTRACTThis article investigates the substitution and complementarity effect that organizational social capital generates between two different types of performance information: nonroutine and routine performance information. The study of this topic is important since it offers a better understanding of how public managers inform their decision-making. Using department level data from 57 counties in Florida, this article finds that departments with higher levels of organizational social capital are more likely to complement the use of both routine and nonroutine performance information. Thus, the article reinforces the role and importance that organizational social capital plays into well-established and consolidated managerial practices.

The Use of Performance Information Under Performance Budgeting Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Chilean Line Ministries

ABSTRACT:Numerous studies suggest that performance budgeting has limited impact on budget aggregates and on legislative decision making. For that reason, a growing number of scholars now argue for increased attention on how performance budgeting reforms influence decision-making processes within line ministries and during budget execution. In this study, we compare the cases of four line ministries from a government with a longstanding tradition of performance budgeting. We find that the use of performance information is marginal during budget formulation and approval. In contrast, the evidence shows that officials at line ministries use performance information extensively during budget execution. The use of performance information differs between our four cases and those differences are explained by a set of variables that include executive leadership involvement, informational system capacity, and intrinsic organizational factors such as the size of the organizations and the homogeneity of their outputs.

Do Leadership and Expertise Impact on the Usefulness of Performance Information and the Performance of Performance Goal Management System?

Do Leadership and Expertise Impact on the Usefulness of Performance Information and the Performance of Performance Goal Management System?

Does Performance-Based Budgeting Have a Correlation with Performance Measurement System? Evidence from Local Government in Indonesia

Abstract This study aimed to empirically test some variables related to Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) and Performance Measurement System (PMS) implementation in the local government, namely Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study applied the mixed-methods approach with sequential explanatory strategy (QUANTITATIVE to Qualitative). Quantitative stage was conducted by testing the hypothesis using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) approach. On the qualitative stage, the interview was conducted to dig more information on the unsupported hypothesis. From the result of the hypothesis testing, it was discovered that the limitation of information system had a negative influence, while education had a positive influence towards the effectiveness of PBB. Furthermore, the effectiveness of PBB had a positive influence towards budget absorption, and the accountability also had a positive influence towards the use of performance information to practice the arrangement of PPB. Meanwhile, the qualitative analysis produced the finding that there were practices of PBB that could still be done manually and it was not supported by information technology. Besides, the implementation of PMS and PBB was more because of the coercive pressure rather than consciousness of normative apparatus.

Exploring the links between different performance information uses, NPM cultural orientation, and organizational performance in the public sector

ABSTRACTThis paper looks at how the relationship between performance measurement system use(s) and organizational performance is affected by the type of performance information use and moderated by New Public Management (NPM) cultural orientation. Analysing data from a survey of Italian public managers, it shows that only monitoring and attention-focusing types of uses of performance measures are directly associated with organizational performance, whereas strategic-decision-making and legitimizing uses are not directly related with organizational performance. Moreover, an NPM orientation moderates positively the relationship between monitoring uses of performance information on organizational performance, and negatively the relationship between legitimizing uses and organizational performance.

Exploring Performance Information Enactment in a Case Study of Australian Public Libraries

Local governments embrace performance management practices where performance information is central to managing and improving services. Extant literature focus on measuring performance and the factors influencing performance information use, however, the role of performance information use remains vague. We draw on practice theory to analyse a qualitative longitudinal case study of Australian public libraries comprised of semi- structured interviews, unobtrusive observations and document analysis. We explore logic of performance information enactment including the entwinement and longitudinal decomposition via temporality. Findings illuminate that librarians are entwined in automated systems that quantitatively capture patrons borrowing and usage statistics with limited entwinement of qualitative insights about patron experiences. Further, the library lack consistent methods to record retrieve and use subjective insights from library patrons and those are discouraged by library management and staff. Resul...

The Relationship Between Capacity and Performance Information Use in Nonprofit Organizations

Adopting performance measures to increase accountability as well as respond to increasing competition for donors and other funders are crucial issues for nonprofit arts organizations. In this resea...

Why Performance Information Use Requires a Managerial Identity: Evidence from the Field of Human Services

Previous research suggests that civil servants can perceive their role differently and that these differing perceptions also influence their responses to managerial reform programs. Yet there is little research examining how different role perceptions influence the application of performance measurement. Using survey data from 742 human service organizations in Switzerland, the present study addresses this gap by investigating how professional and managerial role identities affect managers’ use of performance information. The results support the hypotheses that role identities indirectly influence the application of performance information through the effects on role conflict that may occur when managerial professionals measure the performance of their organizations. A lack of resources, stringent political control, and poor information quality are also found to be associated with role conflict and a limited use of performance information.

Impact of fish feeds, fish oils, and amino acids on the performance of airlift pumps

The impact of the addition of a wide variety of commercial, experimental, and larval feeds as well as fish oils, specific lipid products, amino acids, and surfactants on airlift pumping rates were documented. At 250 min after addition, the airlift flow rate varied from 12% to 102% of baseflow for diffuser injection but only 77 to 85% of base flow for direct injection. As a group, the fish and algal-based oils had the greatest impact on airlift flow rate. It is hypothesized that the impact of feed addition is due to lipids and surface-active compounds leaching out of the feed and increasing bubble size. There was a significant correlation between gas holdup and airlift pumping rate. Higher gas holdup was positively correlated with higher water flows. There was also a wide range in speed and range of flow rate recovery; flow recovery may depend on adsorption of lipids on the tank walls or chemical reactions. There was a positive correlation between lipid content and flow reduction, but the physical characteristics of the feed and specific fatty acid profiles of the feed may be important. The use of performance information based on clean water tests may significantly over-estimate pumping rates of airlift pumps. For critical applications, on-site evaluation using actual airlift pumps and feeds may be needed. While feed addition had much more impact on the performance of airlift pumps using diffuser injection compared to direct injection, the significantly higher efficiency of diffuser injection makes this injector type a better choice for many applications.

Framing Effects under Different Uses of Performance Information: An Experimental Study on Public Managers

AbstractCombining insights from public administration, accounting, and psychology, this article explores the microprocesses by which public managers use performance information, investigating whether the type of performance information use and the request to justify decisions affect the way in which information is processed. The study draws on data from a series of artifactual survey experiments with Italian municipal executives. Findings show that managers process information differently under ex post rather than ex ante performance information uses. More specifically, managers are more likely to be subject to framing bias under ex post than under ex ante uses of performance information. This interaction seems to be robust when subjects are asked to provide justification for their decisions.

경찰조직의 성과정보 생산과 활용에 관한 연구: 경찰성과지표 운영현황 진단을 중심으로

경찰조직의 성과정보 생산과 활용에 관한 연구: 경찰성과지표 운영현황 진단을 중심으로

Why is dialogue on performance challenging in the public sector?

PurposeThis paper aims to understand performance management as a social phenomenon by investigating the challenges of performance dialogue, a phenomenon where participants jointly interpret performance information and discuss it while identifying the actions needed to manage the performance according to this information.Design/methodology/approachThe research aim is achieved by conducting an interview study. Empirical data were collected by interviewing 30 public managers in three Finnish municipalities and subjecting it to content analysis using inductive category development.FindingsThe research provides empirical evidence from challenges in engaging in performance dialogue. It moreover derives a comprehensive conceptual model categorizing factors inhibiting performance dialogue.Practical implicationsDifficulties in conducting organizational performance dialogues are better explained. The findings support the management of performance dialogue by helping practitioners to identify challenges associated to these dialogues.Originality/valueThis study contributes to current conversations on performance management by showing that performance dialogues are no miracle cure for problems in performance information use. Moreover, the authors demonstrate that complications in performance information use are intertwined in many ways.

The use and non-use of the government financial report by Maltese Members of Parliament

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use and non-use of the Government Financial Report by Maltese Members of Parliament (MPs). It refers to information overload theory to analyse the gap between financial reports and their relevance for decision making.Design/methodology/approachA mix of qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire) research tools are applied, with the Maltese MPs being the research participants. This method is acclaimed to be comprehensive, but this study highlights certain disadvantages when applied in the political arena.FindingsThe characteristics of the information itself could be the main cause of information overload, resulting in the non-use of the financial report for decision making. Politicians refer to financial data for their decision making, but not to the data presented in the financial report. Irrespective of the politician’s professional background, the data in the financial report is perceived as incomplete and outdated.Practical implicationsThe cause of information overload and its effects are important considerations for preparers of financial information and accounting standard setters, if they wish that their production is relevant for decision makers.Originality/valueThere is an increase in research concerning politicians’ use of budgetary and performance information, at local and regional levels of government. This study investigates exclusively the use of the financial report by politicians at central level, in a politically stable environment.

Successful Problem Solvers? Managerial Performance Information Use to Improve Low Organizational Performance

Successful Problem Solvers? Managerial Performance Information Use to Improve Low Organizational Performance

Handing over the Keys: Nonprofit Economic Development Corporations and Their Implications for Accountability and Inclusion

ABSTRACTPublic organizations have explored service-delivery with nonprofit organizations to help alleviate the strain on their long-term fiscal sustainability. This interdependence has ramifications for fairness and responsiveness in service-delivery that are poorly understood. One area where government-nonprofit collaborative activity has not been explored is within the context of sustainable development. This study utilizes surveys of U.S. cities at multiple time periods to examine the comparative use of nonprofit economic development corporations and their performance on smart-growth and social equity policy activities. This study first explores the roles played by the two most common types of local nonprofit organizations—nonprofit Local Development Corporations (LDCs) and Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs)—in use of performance information and accountability mechanisms in local economic development activities. In turning to policy outcomes, the use of LDCs is negatively associated with land use policies intended to advance social inclusion.

Performance information use and severe cutback decisions during a period of fiscal crisis

This paper examines the impact of performance information use on government cutback decisions. The use of performance information was associated with the adoption of furloughs and layoffs, but not with service elimination or salary reductions. These mixed findings reveal the limited role of performance information use in cutback decisions.