The role of performance measurement in ethical and effective government

Abstract

In this paper I address the notion that performance measurement not only helps improve program managers' ability to make decisions in order to improve effectiveness of government actions, but also helps to support ethics and integrity in governance. First performance measurement systems that focus on outcomes provide an opportunity for communities to engage in dialogue about their value priorities, how to accomplish that which is of value to the community, and how to know if those things that are valued have indeed been accomplished. Second, in addition to transparency, as suggested above, performance measurement can support accountability. It can support control and oversight of government actions in an effort to keep government officials honest and ethical. This I say with caution, however, given that when done for the sole purpose of accountability, external controls such as performance measurement systems may cause more harm than good.

When it comes to effectiveness, outcome-based performance measurement systems focus attention on the types of program actions that can lead to the desired results. Presumably, policies and programs are implemented because they are believed to contribute to the accomplishment of a particular social goal. Performance measurement systems based on outcomes (results), rather than outputs or inputs, provide useful information that can suggest whether or not we are achieving the desired social good. That is, such systems help determine the extent to which government action is effective.

But there is another side to performance measurement that must be discussed. Adopting and implementing performance measurement systems may elicit unethical behavior. This can occur during the selection and reporting of measures and during the interpretation of performance information. These issues will also be discussed here. In the end, however, I will argue that on the whole, when done properly, performance measurement can do more good than harm in the process of governance.