Accounting for the Uncountable: Performance Management Solutions for Ambitious Government

The function of government is to promote the common good and to protect the rights and welfare of its citizens. This involves a concern for safety, equity, well-being, and other similarly evasive social objectives. Measuring performance on these objectives is very difficult. But, if performance cannot be measured, does that mean it cannot be managed? Is it possible to devise performance management systems that account for the uncountable?
Appels

Since the rise of New Public Management (NPM), governments across the globe have been struggling with the question as to how to organize for effectiveness. The recipe of NPM was simple enough: implement an internal structure based on clear accountabilities, pre-set performance targets, and performance measurement practices with real consequences for those in charge. This recipe, however, was not only simple. It was also misleading, and by now, many studies have documented the negative consequences of NPM-type reforms.

PhD researcher Lucas O'Ryan Pinochet MSc has been appointed to investigate this research project, thanks in part to a generous gift from two donors from the Nyenrode community. He will work with professor Ivo de Loo and professor Roland Speklé from Nyenrode's Center for Accounting, Auditing & Control.

Roland Speklé

 

Why this research is important

As the functioning of the public sector affects us all, it is sometimes frustrating to see how ill-conceived ideologies as New Public Management still guide internal governance choices in this sector. This project allows us to contribute to an agenda for positive change.

Prof. dr. Roland Speklé
Professor of Management Accounting & Control

 

4 questions to Lucas O’Ryan Pinochet

pinochet

Where did you go to university?

I am originally from Chile and hold a master’s degree in Political Sociology from the London School of Economics and a Bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Chile.

Can you tell us about your research experience?

I have extensive experience conducting research in policy analysis and public sector evaluation with international organizations such as the United Nations, the British and Chilean government. My focus has been on analyzing the impact of policies and programs to promote social equity and sustainable development.

What are you going to investigate for this project?

I will focus on how government agencies measure performance and how this can be done more effectively. I will consider the role of action and socio-cultural controls using a systems approach.

Why did you choose Nyenrode for your PhD?

I am enthusiastic about joining Nyenrode due to its unique emphasis on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world business applications, which aligns perfectly with my own research aspirations and the project itself.

Over de onderzoekers

Prof. dr. Roland Speklé is Professor of Management Accounting & Control at Nyenrode Business University. He is part of Nyenrode's Faculty Research Center for Accounting, Auditing & Control.
Prof. dr. Ivo De Loo is professor of Management Accounting & Control at Nyenrode Business University. He is part of Nyenrode's Faculty Research Center for Accounting, Auditing & Control.
Lucas O'Ryan Pinochet MSc is a PhD researcher working with Prof dr. Roland Speklé and Prof. dr. Ivo De Loo at the Faculty Research Center for Accounting, Auditing & Control.

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