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Comparing the performance of national public sectors: conceptual problems

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  • Steven Van de Walle

Abstract

Purpose - A number of studies and indicators have ranked European countries in terms of the performance of their public sectors. This paper aims to demonstrate that there are important conceptual problems with such rankings and comparisons. Design/methodology/approach - Using the existing indicators, the paper first shows how European countries' public sectors are ranked. It then goes on to show how conceptual problems with these indicators may lead to incorrect conclusions. Findings - Countries' public sector performance cannot be summarised using a single indicator because of inability to define “the public sector” and the disagreement on what it means for public sectors to perform. Practical implications - Despite increasing demand and supply in policy circles for international public sector indicators, the existing ones are unreliable. Originality/value - This paper extends the assessment of international public sector indicators beyond a mere technical evaluation.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Van de Walle, 2008. "Comparing the performance of national public sectors: conceptual problems," International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 57(4), pages 329-338, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:ijppmp:v:57:y:2008:i:4:p:329-338
    DOI: 10.1108/17410400810867535
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Lavinia Mustea, 2022. "An Overview of Public Sector Performance in Europe," Ovidius University Annals, Economic Sciences Series, Ovidius University of Constantza, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 0(1), pages 339-345, September.
    2. Nduhura, Dominique & Prieler, Michael, 2017. "When I chat online, I feel relaxed and work better: Exploring the use of social media in the public sector workplace in Rwanda," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(7), pages 708-716.
    3. Kjurchiski, Nikola, "undated". "Public Administration Efficiency in Resource Economies," Published Papers nvg128, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.
    4. Sobis Iwona & Okouma Offolome Guepie Victorien, 2017. "Performance Management: How the Swedish Administration of Transportation for the Disabled Succeeded. A Case Study of Transportation Service for the Disabled, the Municipality of Gothenburg," NISPAcee Journal of Public Administration and Policy, Sciendo, vol. 10(1), pages 141-175, June.
    5. Karo , Erkki & Kattel , Rainer, 2015. "Innovation Bureaucracy: Does the organization of government matter when promoting innovation?," Papers in Innovation Studies 2015/38, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    6. Shahram Ali Kazho & Tarik Atan, 2022. "Public Sector Downsizing and Public Sector Performance: Findings from a Content Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-21, March.
    7. Onofrei, Mihaela & Lupu, Dan, 2010. "The dimension of public administration in Central and Eastern European countries in the current financial crisis," MPRA Paper 95513, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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