MPA 500 discussion

Introduction

Robert Behn’s article “Why Measure Performance? Different Purposes Require Different Measures” introduced us to multiple different purposes for measuring performance. Behn describes eight purposes that public managers have for measuring performance and while he has them in some form of order, he does not suggest that the list is any type of hierarchy.

How does this activity help you?

As we learned in this module, there are several reasons to measure performance. Further, performance can be measured at both the organizational level and the individual level. This activity helps us consider the underlying purposes for measuring performance and how those purposes translate into public administration organization missions.

Instructions

For this assignment, you will critically assess the order of Behn’s eight purposes through the lens of a public administration organization that you currently work with or aspire to work with. Considering the organization and its mission, put those purposes in order most important to least, that you can identify with. In your post, also address the following:

• How did you determine the order of your list?
• How might you use this list in your job?
• Would you add or delete anything?