Elements of Effective Governance Measurement, Accountability and Participation

One of the first to combine these topics, this book explores 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. It presents the basics of performance measurement, defines public sector accountability, examines the rationale for and against direct citizen participation, and provides in-depth case studies on state and local governments that have attempted to implement performance measurement systems with the input of the public.

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.