1st Edition

Elements of Effective Governance Measurement, Accountability and Participation

By Kathe Callahan Copyright 2006
    360 Pages 21 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Elements of Effective Governance: Measurement, Accountability and Participation is one of the first books to explore the relationship between accountability, government performance, and public participation. It discusses two main assumptions: greater accountability leads to better performance; and the more the public is involved in the measurement of government performance, the more they can hold government accountable for its performance.

     

    Presenting an introduction to each topic, this book provides a thorough understanding of theories, concepts, and practices. The beginning sections explore the basics of performance measurement, look at public sector accountability, and examine the rationale for and against direct citizen participation. The later sections provide an integrated discussion of performance measurement, accountability, and citizen participation and demonstrate how the strategic alignment of these critical concepts can lead to more effective governance. The final section incorporates in-depth case studies of a variety of efforts to implement performance measurement, hold individuals and organizations accountable for results, and involve the public in the deliberative process.

    Through theoretical and practical discussions, this book highlights the importance of, as well as the challenges associated with, government performance, accountability, and citizen participation. By combining these components under one cover, this book demonstrates the importance of their mutually reinforcing relationships. This volume provides the tools needed to design and develop strategies to improve government performance and demonstrate accountability. It provides a balanced perspective with its rational discussion of performance measurement and its skeptical assessment of the relationship between performance improvement and the demands for greater accountability.

    INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT
    PERFORMANCE
    Results-Oriented Government
    Why Measure?
    What to Measure? How to Measure?
    Communicating Results
    INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SECTOR
    ACCOUNTABILITY
    Public Sector Accountability
    Accountability Dilemmas
    INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
    Citizen Participation
    Models of Participation
    The Changing Role of Public Administrators
    INTRODUCTION TO AN INTEGRATED
    APPROACH
    Strengthening the Concepts
    INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDIES
    Can Baltimore CitiStat Work for Other Communities?
    The Myth of Performance-Based Accountability:
    The Case of Newark Charter Schools
    Citizen-Driven Government Performance: Process and Implementation Strategy
    A Unique Civic Engagement Tool: AmericaSpeaks 21st Century Town Meeting
    Fairfax Measures Up: Key Factors in the
    Design and Implementation.

    Biography

    Kathe Callahan