Principles of performance dialogue in public administration

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 414-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harri Laihonen ◽  
Sari Mäntylä
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Performance Information ◽  
Public Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collaborative Performance

Purpose The literature acknowledges the importance of interpretative processes, discussion, and organizational learning in public performance management, but a knowledge gap remains concerning the mechanism of performance dialogue. To fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to study the principles of performance dialogue and collaborative performance management in public administration. Design/methodology/approach The study utilizes a longitudinal research setting and analyzes the evolution of performance management practices in one city organization in Finland. Findings The study suggests that performance dialogue needs to be integrated with management practices and explains how this can be done. Three guiding principles of performance dialogue and collaborative performance management are derived. These underline the role of “referees of the information game”, a supportive and encouraging environment and a focus on the use of performance information. Practical implications Performance information is too often provided as a back-office function, and dialogue with information users is either completely lacking or somehow disturbed. The performance dialogue provides a platform for collaborative sense making and helps managers to better understand the complex phenomena and processes they are responsible for. Originality/value The literature dealing specifically with the change from centralized and vertical performance management practices toward decentralized and horizontal practices is still scarce. This paper provides a new perspective on management control and organizational learning in public administration based on performance dialogue.

scholarly journals Public sector reform and the state of performance management in Portugal: is there a gap between performance measurement and its use?

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 613-627
Author(s):  
Ana I. Melo ◽  
Luís F. Mota
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Ideal Type ◽  
The State ◽  
Performance Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Managers

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse the state of performance management in the Portuguese public sector as part of the efforts towards public administration reform.Design/methodology/approachTheoretically, the authors took Bouckaert and Halligan's (2008, pp. 35–39) approach into consideration to analyse the adoption of performance management practices. This approach was supplemented by an adaptation of Pollitt and Bouckaert's (2011, p. 33) framework to analyse the context for administrative reforms. The used data analysis techniques include documentary analysis (namely legislation and evaluation reports of reform efforts), secondary data analysis and a survey conducted with 296 Portuguese top public managers.FindingsThe findings show that Portuguese public sector organisations adopted several tools to measure performance over the years, but failed to incorporate performance information into their management practices or to properly use it for either internal or external purposes. Concerning the ideal types proposed by Bouckaert and Halligan (2008, p. 36), Portugal is considered to fit the “performance administration” ideal type, even though it is moving closer to the “managements of performance” ideal type.Originality/valueThis is one of the first comprehensive studies on the state of performance management in Portugal framed within the broader context of public sector reforms. The findings will be of interest both to scholars who study public administration reforms and performance management and to Portuguese policy makers and public managers who are interested in understanding and improving the way performance information is measured, incorporated and used in that sector.

Organizational learning, knowledge management practices and firm’s performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay K. Jain ◽  
Ana Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Achievement Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Power Generation Equipment ◽  
Engineering Organization ◽  
Reward And Recognition ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The study aims at investigating the impact of organizational learning (OL) on the firm’s performance and knowledge management (KM) practices in a heavy engineering organization in India. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from 205 middle and senior executives working in the project engineering management division of a heavy engineering public sector organization. The organization manufactures power generation equipment. Questionnaires were administered to collect the data from the respondents. Findings – Results were analyzed using the exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis techniques. The findings showed that all the factors of OL, i.e. collaboration and team working, performance management, autonomy and freedom, reward and recognition and achievement orientation were found to be the positive predictors of different dimensions of firm’s performance and KM practices. Research limitations/implications – The implications are discussed to improve the OL culture to enhance the KM practices so that firm’s performance could be sustained financially or otherwise. The study is conducted in one division of a large public organization, hence generalizability is limited. Originality/value – This is an original study carried out in a large a heavy engineering organization in India that validates the theory of OL and KM in the Indian context.

Collaborative Performance Management in Interfirm Relationships

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 25-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henri C. Dekker ◽  
Rong Ding ◽  
Tom Groot
Keyword(s):  
Information Sharing ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Environmental Variability ◽  
Asset Specificity ◽  
Measurement Information ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Interfirm Relationships ◽  
Performance Information ◽  
Collaborative Performance

ABSTRACT In this study, we examine how firms' collaborative objectives influence their use of performance management practices in interfirm relationships. We conceptualize collaborative performance management to include three interrelated practices: measurement of interfirm performance, information sharing, and interaction between boundary spanners of partner firms. Prior research has related firms' interfirm control choices to transaction risk as proxied by “given” transaction characteristics. We hypothesize that transaction characteristics are determined by the strategic importance of the collaboration (manifested by the importance of firms' collaborative objectives) and, in turn, influence the use of firms' performance management practices. Analysis of survey data supports our hypotheses that strategic importance of the collaboration is associated with transaction characteristics (i.e., with asset specificity, transaction scope, task interdependencies, and environmental variability), which, in turn, mediate the influence of collaborative objectives on the use of performance management practices. We also find that performance measurement, information sharing, and boundary spanner interaction are used as complementary practices in the management of interfirm relationships.

scholarly journals The use of management control and performance measurement systems in SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 2169-2191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biljana Pešalj ◽  
Andrey Pavlov ◽  
Pietro Micheli
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to respond to recent calls for understanding how multiple management control (MC) and performance measurement (PM) systems are used simultaneously for managing performance, particularly in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach Data are collected during an in-depth case study of MC and PM and management practices in a Dutch SME using multiple data sources and elicitation methods, including interviews and participant observations. Findings This study identifies managerial practices that enable the interplay of the four control systems – beliefs, boundaries, diagnostic and interactive – helping the organization manage organizational tensions in relation to short- and long-term focus, predictable goal achievement and search for new opportunities, internal and external focus, and control and creativity. Research limitations/implications This paper advances the research on integrating multiple aspects of performance management, particularly technical and social. This research is based on a single case study; future qualitative and quantitative studies could explore the interplay between the four control systems in other settings and explore the relationship between control systems and leadership style. Practical implications Managing performance requires active and continuous use of all four control systems. This is particularly salient in SMEs where less formal controls play a key role and where balance needs to be ensured despite the lack of managerial processes and capabilities. Originality/value The findings advance PM and management theory and practice in the context of SMEs.

Managing the most important asset: a twenty year review on the performance management literature

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebina Justin M.A. ◽  
Manu Melwin Joy
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Human Resource Management Practices

Purpose The three objectives served by this review are to provide readers a limpid insight about the topic performance management (PM), to analyse the latest trends in PM literature and to illustrate the theoretical perspectives. It would be fascinating for the practitioners and researchers to see the latest trends in the PM system, which is not yet covered in previous reviews. The study covers the historical and theoretical perspectives of human resource management practices. We also try to unveil some of the theoretical debates and conflicts regarding the topic. Design/methodology/approach We reviewed 139 studies on PM published within the last 20 years (2000–2020). The method used here is the integrative review method. The criteria used to determine studies are articles from peer-reviewed journals regarding the PM system published between 2000 and 2020. The initial search for studies was conducted using an extensive journal database, and then an intensive reference-based search was also done. Each selected article was coded, themes were identified, and trends for every 5 years were determined. All the articles were analysed and classified based on the methodology used to identify qualitative and quantitative studies. Findings The review concludes that PM literature's emphasis shifted from traditional historical evaluations conducted once or twice a year to forward-looking, feedback-enriched PM systems. By segregating the studies into 5-year periods, we could extract five significant trends that prevailed in the PM literature from 2000 to 2020: reactions to PM system, factors that influence PM system, quality of rating sources, evaluating the PM system and types of the PM system. The review ends with a discussion of practical implications and avenues for future research. Research limitations/implications It is equally a limitation and strength of this paper that we conducted a review of 139 articles to cover the whole works in PM literature during the last 20 years. The study could not concentrate on any specific PM theme, such as exploring employee outcomes or organizational outcomes. Likewise, the studies on public sector and non-profit organizations are excluded from this review, which constitutes a significant share of PM literature. Another significant limitation is that the selected articles are classified only based on their methodology; further classification based on different themes and contexts can also be done. Originality/value The study is an original review of the PM literature to identify the latest trends in the field.

Using action research in innovation project management: building legitimacy and organizational learning in an SME during a merger process

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance Elizabeth Kampf ◽  
Charlotte J. Brandt ◽  
Christopher G. Kampf
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Project

PurposeThe purpose is to explore how the process of action research (AR) can support building legitimacy and organizational learning in innovation project management and portfolio practices in merger contexts.Design/methodology/approachMeta-reflection on method issues in Action Research through an action research case study with an innovation group during an organizational change process. This case demonstrates an example of an action research cycle focused on building practitioner legitimacy rather than problem-solving.FindingsKey findings include (1) demonstrating how AR can be used for building legitimacy through visualizing the innovation process, and embedding those visuals in top management practices of the organization; and (2) demonstrating how AR can work as an organizational learning tool in merger contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on an action research cooperation during a two-and-a-half-year period. Thus, findings offer the depth of a medium term case study. The processes of building legitimacy represent this particular case, and can be investigated in other organizational contexts to see the extent to which these issues can be generalized.Practical implicationsFor researchers, this paper offers an additional type of AR cycle to consider in their research design which can be seen as demonstrating a form of interplay between practitioner action and organizational level legitimacy. For practitioners, this paper demonstrates a connection between legitimacy and organizational learning in innovation contexts. The discussion of how visuals were co-created and used for building legitimacy for an innovation process that differs from the standard stage gate model demonstrates how engaging in AR research can contribute to developing visuals as resources for building legitimacy and organizational learning based on connections between theory and practice.Originality/valueThis case rethinks AR practice for innovation project management contexts to include legitimacy and organizational learning. This focus on legitimacy building from organizational learning and knowledge conversion contributes to our understanding of the soft side of innovation project management. Legitimacy is demonstrated to be a key concern for innovation project management practices.

scholarly journals Environmental management control systems for carbon emissions

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Di Giacomo ◽  
James Guthrie ◽  
Federica Farneti
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Air Travel ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose This paper aims to focus on a global consulting company and examine how it struggled to establish an effective environmental management control system for carbon emissions for its employees’ air travel. The organisation was motivated to reduce its carbon emissions both to comply with regulation and to enhance or maintain corporate reputation. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a case study approach, examining internal and external documents as well as conducting interviews with senior staff. Findings The case study investigates how Beta’s management implemented a system to reduce carbon emissions. The organisation focused on air travel, but the study finds that employee travel preferences did not radically change. Rather than reduction in carbon emissions, as planned by head office, air travel carbon emissions actually increased during the period, and, as a consequence, the reported reduction targets were significantly adjusted downwards to meet the new realities. Practical/implications The study has implications for both policy and practice for organisations seeking to improve their sustainability performance. Originality/value The study responds to calls in the literature to undertake research to identify how management practices might reduce negative sustainability impacts, as there is little evidence of what management practices and accounting tools are being adopted, particularly in relation to carbon emissions from air travel. The paper adds to the creation of new accounting, giving visibility to carbon emission management through case study analysis.

Enabling continuous learning and quality improvement in health care

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 587-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert William Smith ◽  
Elaina Orlando ◽  
Whitney Berta
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Performance Management System ◽  
Continuous Learning ◽  
Learning Models ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Learning Theory ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how the design and implementation of learning models for performance management can foster continuous learning and quality improvement within a publicly funded, multi-site community hospital organization. Design/methodology/approach Niagara Health’s patient flow performance management system, a learning model, was studied over a 20-month period. A descriptive case study design guided the analysis of qualitative observational data and its synthesis with organizational learning theory literature. Emerging from this analysis were four propositions to inform the implementation of learning models and future research. Findings This performance management system was observed to enable: ongoing performance-related knowledge exchange by creating opportunities for routine social interaction; collective recognition and understanding of practice and performance patterns; relationship building, learning for improvement, and “higher order” learning through dialogue facilitated using humble inquiry; and, alignment of quality improvement efforts to organizational strategic objectives through a multi-level feedback/feed-forward communication structure. Research limitations/implications The single organization and descriptive study design may limit the generalizability of the findings and introduce confirmation bias. Future research should more comprehensively evaluate the impact of learning models on organizational learning processes and performance outcomes. Practical implications This study offers novel insight which may inform the design and implementation of learning models for performance management within and beyond the study site. Originality/value Few studies have examined the mechanics of performance management systems in relation to organizational learning theory and research. Broader adoption of learning models may be key to the development of continuously learning and improving health systems.

Investigating the causal link between a management improvement technique and organizational performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
André de Waal ◽  
Robert Goedegebuure
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Organizational Results ◽  
High Level

Purpose An important question in contemporary research is: do certain management practices cause better performance or do better performing organizations find it easier to adopt certain management practices? This question is also of importance when applying the high performance organization (HPO) framework, which is a scientifically validated technique designed to achieve and sustain a high level of performance. Many research studies correlate the HPO framework with improved organizational performance. There are, however, no studies which explicitly look at the causal relationship. This paper aims to provide empirical evidence of causality. Design/methodology/approach Longitudinal research was conducted at two companies. An HPO diagnosis was conducted at each company, after which management implemented the HPO framework. Two units at each company were selected as case studies. Data were collected, using a questionnaire and interviews, at the beginning and after 18 months, when the diagnoses were repeated. A linear regression analysis was performed to interpret the data. Findings Despite exposure to the same HPO framework techniques, organizational units achieved significantly different outcomes. In each company, one unit achieved a higher HPO score and higher organizational results, while the other unit had no change, or a lower HPO score and lower organizational results. The key factor was the manner in which unit managers applied the HPO framework. Practical implications Optimal effectiveness for the HPO framework occurs when management incorporates the HPO factors into the workplace and strives diligently to improve performance. Originality/value This research responds to the question “Do certain management practices cause better performance or do better performing organizations find it easier to adopt certain management practices?”

Influence of ethnic values on public sector performance management

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-250
Author(s):  
Newman M.K. Lam ◽  
James MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Human Resources Management ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Administrative Culture ◽  
Foreign Influence ◽  
Research Findings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether deeply rooted ethnic values persist in public administration in spite of strong foreign influence in education and administrative culture. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the theories and concepts on ethnic values, in particular Chinese and Canadian administrative values in order to examine their differences. Victoria of Canada and Hong Kong of China, both former British colonies, have been selected as the study sites due to their similarity in British education and administrative culture. Comparable samples of human subjects were drawn from the public sectors of Hong Kong and Victoria, who were either students or graduates of a master of public administration program. A questionnaire containing questions on program evaluation and staff promotion was administered to participants. Findings The survey results show that, while organizations may have similar administrative systems and cultures, employees revert to their ethnic values for matters concerning their immediate well-being – staff promotion in this case. The findings also suggest that employees endorse good practices and reject bad ones more often than they believe their organizations do. Research limitations/implications The purpose of this study is to examine whether lengthy foreign influence can change deeply rooted ethnic culture. The research results are not aimed at and may not be relevant to explaining a current situation. Practical implications The research findings may help improve public administration, in particular regarding issues of human resources management. Social implications The research findings may provide a better understanding of social behavior in the work place. Originality/value This paper contains original data for a comparative analysis that appears to have never been done before. It provides empirical proof that deeply rooted ethnics values are very difficult to change in spite of a long history of foreign influence.

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