Comparing the Performance of National Public Sectors: Conceptual Problems
International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 329-338, 2008
17 Pages Posted: 14 Feb 2009
Date Written: July 1, 2008
Abstract
Purpose of this paper: A number of studies and indicators have ranked European countries in terms of the performance of their public sectors. This paper demonstrates there are important conceptual problems with such rankings and comparisons.
Design/methodology/approach: Using the existing indicators, the paper first shows how European countries' public sectors are ranked. It then goes on to show how conceptual problems with these indicators may lead to incorrect conclusions.
Findings: Countries' public sector performance cannot be summarised using a single indicator because of our inability to define 'the public sector' and the disagreement on what it means for public sectors to perform.
Practical implications: Despite increasing demand and supply in policy circles for international public sector indicators, the existing ones are unreliable.
What is original/value of paper? This paper extends the assessment of international public sector indicators beyond a mere technical evaluation.
Keywords: governance indicators, public sector performance, comparative public administration
JEL Classification: O47, D24, D73
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?
Recommended Papers
-
By Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay, ...
-
Aggregating Governance Indicators
By Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay, ...
-
Governance Matters IV: Governance Indicators for 1996-2004
By Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay, ...
-
Governance Matters Ii: Updated Indicators for 2000-01
By Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay, ...
-
Governance Matters VI: Governance Indicators for 1996-2006
By Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay, ...
-
Governance Matters V: Aggregate and Individual Governance Indicators for 1996-2005
By Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay, ...
-
Corruption, Public Investment, and Growth
By Vito Tanzi and Hamid R. Davoodi
-
Corruption, Growth, and Public Finances
By Vito Tanzi and Hamid R. Davoodi
-
Corruption, Growth, and Public Finances
By Vito Tanzi and Hamid R. Davoodi