Dr. Patria de Lancer Julnes

Performance measurement provides decision makers with information that can be used for monitoring of results, program performance improvement, as well as serves as the rationale for allocation of resources and budget justifications. Performance measurement information can also be used for transparency and accountability purposes. As stated by a local government employee in an interview, “performance measures allow managers and elected officials to think carefully about programs and help to open people’s eyes as to where you are and where you would like to be’ ” (de Lancer Julnes, 2002). Performance measurement is also an important component of strategic planning efforts. In the context of strategic planning, according to Hatry (1999, p. 175) performance measurement has at least three specific purposes: • To provide baseline values for each of the plan’s performance indicators and thus establish the extent of action needed. • To provide historical data on each indicator so that outcomes can be projected for each of the options examined • To provide data on key outcome indicators that can be used in regular reports o