Performance Targets and Public Service Improvement

Theories of rational planning suggest that organizational performance improves if targets for future achievements are set. We test this proposition using panel data for 147 English local education authorities between 1998 and 2003. The dependent variables in the analysis are exam results for school...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of public administration research and theory 2007-07, Vol.17 (3), p.455-477
Main Authors: Boyne, George A., Chen, Alex A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic Achievement
Business metrics
Cheating
Competency based education
Education
Education policy
Empirical evidence
England
Government agencies
Government services
Heteroskedasticity
Job performance indicators
Management by objectives
Measurement
Organizational Effectiveness
Panel Data
Performance management
Planning
Public administration
Public sector
Public Services
Strategic management
Students
Studies
Variables
Citations: Items that cite this one
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Summary:Theories of rational planning suggest that organizational performance improves if targets for future achievements are set. We test this proposition using panel data for 147 English local education authorities between 1998 and 2003. The dependent variables in the analysis are exam results for school pupils. We find that, controlling for other variables, the extent of performance improvement is influenced positively by the presence of a target. Thus, the results are consistent with the view that clear and quantified strategic priorities lead to better organizational outcomes.
ISSN:1053-1858
1477-9803
DOI:10.1093/jopart/mul007