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Comparative Performance Systems: An Assessment

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Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance

Synonyms

Evaluation; Organizational performance; Performance assessment; Evaluation systems

Definition

The term “performance” originates from old French parfornir, which means “to do, carry out, complete, accomplish.” A comparative performance system (CPS) is a set of elements and processes to assess the capability of individuals, organizations, and other subjects to achieve strategic goals using, as benchmark, the performance of similar subjects and/or the previous performance of the unit itself. A CPS supports decision-making of management directed to accomplish strategic targets and satisfy stakeholders in competitive contexts.

Introduction

In the context of public organizations, performance systems are based on units of analysis, measures of inputs, processes, and outputs (cf., Talbot 2010; Coccia 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008; Coccia and Benati 2018b). In particular:

  • The unit of analysis of a performance system can be individuals, teams, activities, projects, and/or organizations...

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Benati, I., Coccia, M. (2019). Comparative Performance Systems: An Assessment. In: Farazmand, A. (eds) Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_3820-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_3820-1

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