Performance Management in the Public Sector: (Routledge Masters in Public Management)

This fully revised third edition provides a comprehensive exploration of performance management in the public sector, incorporating nearly 200 new references from the latest decade of performance management research. The book presents fresh evidence on the uses and effects of performance management, making it an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals seeking to design functional performance management systems. Moving beyond the traditional New Public Management paradigm, the book critically examines how performance measurement, incorporation, and use can be purposefully designed to enhance public management and governance. With a strong didactical focus, it offers guidance on designing performance management systems that align with contemporary challenges and policy needs. Readers will benefit from a structured approach that combines theoretical insights with practical applications and cases. Whether in academia, government, or consultancy, this book equips readers with the knowledge and tools to measure and manage performance effectively.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction 2. Defining the concepts 3. The history of performance management 4. Performance measurement 5. The incorporation of performance information 6. The use of performance information 7. The users of performance information 8. Non-use of performance information 9. The effects of using performance information 10. The future of performance management

About the Author :
Wouter Van Dooren is a Professor of Public Administration at the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp Management School, Belgium. Geert Bouckaert is Emeritus Professor at the KU Leuven Public Governance Institute, Belgium. He was President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) (2013–19) and of the European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) (2004–10). John Halligan is Emeritus Professor of Public Administration and Governance, Centre for Environmental Governance, University of Canberra, Australia.

Review :
“The book's theme of measuring, managing and improving the performance of government agencies is of continuous high relevance. The way Wouter Van Dooren, Geert Bouckaert and John Halligan present a comprehensive and balanced understanding of performance management and how they address key questions of its practical implementation make the book a standard reference for both public management academics and practitioners. The book is especially suited for use in executive education and engagement with public managers. I am very glad to see the updates of the third edition.” Gerhard Hammerschmid, Professor of Public and Financial Management, Hertie School, The University of Governance in Berlin “I am thrilled to see the latest edition of Performance Management in the Public Sector. While the previous editions were already considered a must-have for researchers, students, and practitioners, this new edition must also be added to the collection. The authors have significantly refined the content, updating the book with the latest on the process and outcome of utilization of performance measurement, incorporating cutting-edge research and new case studies that will support theory and practice even during these turbulent times.” Patria de Lancer Julnes, Ph.D., Rosenthal Endowed Professor and School Director, Immediate Past President, American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) “This revised third edition is excellent and continues as a mainstay in performance management. It has updated and new international examples, incorporates cutting-edge research, and is written for western and non-western readers alike. The writing is perfect, sharp and clear. It has everything that public managers and scholars need to know. I will surely use it in my classes!” Evan Berman, Professor Titular, São Paulo School of Business Administration (EAESP), Fundação Getúlio Vargas (São Paulo, Brazil)