Making the move from performance measurement to performance management.(The Bookshelf)

Leading Performance Management in Local Government

Edited by David N. Ammons

ICMA Press 2008, 198 pages, $59

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Governments of all sizes have begun using performance measures to help direct decisions, policies, and service delivery. However, not all of them have seen direct correlations between what the measures indicate and how government performs. This collection of performance management essays from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) shows that performance measures alone cannot change the processes and performance of government services and policy decisions. Rather, governments need to incorporate performance measurement practices into comprehensive performance management systems that rely on objective information to improve services and make policy decisions that are based on results.

Performance management refers to the intentional application of strategies, techniques, and measures to produce real improvements. These systems move beyond both performance measures and strategic planning to focus government efforts on measurable and attainable targets. Making this shift from measures to management requires a new management ethos--one in which performance plays the vital role in policy decisions and service delivery practices. If leadership decides to move local government beyond simple measurement and into management that is informed by measurement, improved performance and real results become increasingly attainable.

The essays comprising Leading Performance Management in Local Government, edited by David N. Ammons, present a solid understanding of the role of performance measurement, the implementation and use of performance management systems, and the benefits to be gained for the government and for external stakeholders. The information is useful to both neophytes and experienced managers. The book describes the importance of identifying services and practices that need to be improved and using this information to focus resources. The book moves from an introduction to performance measurement and its limitations as a standalone practice, and into a progressive discussion of performance management practices, successes, and examples.