1st Edition
Elements of Effective Governance Measurement, Accountability and Participation
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.
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