The performance of governments around the globe is constantly in the spotlight, whether as a celebration or indictment of their activities. Providing evidence on strategies to improve the performance of public agencies is therefore essential to the practice of public management. Originally published in 2006, this important contribution to the debate explores issues of measurement, research methodology, and management influences on performance. It focuses on three key questions: what approaches should be adopted to measure the performance of public agencies? What aspects of management influence the performance of public agencies? As the world globalizes, what are the key international issues in performance measurement and management? In examining these questions, the contributors debate both methodological and technical issues regarding the measurement of performance in public organizations, and provide empirical analyses of the determinants of performance. The book concludes with groundbreaking work on the international dimensions of these issues.

Review of the hardback:'In both theory and practice, the notion of 'performance' has become one of the big drivers of public sector action. But there's been painfully little careful thinking about what it is, how it works, and how it might transform democratic government. This book is a superb and path breaking contribution-one that builds a strong, effective foundation on which further work in this burgeoning field can build.'

Donald F. Kettl - Director, Fels Institute of Government, University of Pennsylvania

Review of the hardback:'This is a terrific collection, featuring most of the international heavyweights. If you want an expert perspective on public service performance, this is it.'

Christopher Pollitt - Professor of Public Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam and Scientific Director, Netherlands Institute of Government