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Techniques and paradoxes in performing performance measurements: concluding reflections

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  • Paul Henman

Abstract

Performance measurement has an implicit performance theory embedded within its practice; performance measurement perforce performs. Performance measurement has a performative effect on performance. Drawing together and building on the various empirical observations from the preceding papers in this collection, this concluding paper firstly examines the circumstances in which performance measurement performs, that is, when it produces ‘authentic’ performance improvements, compared to when performance measurements misfire. The paper secondly explores several paradoxes of performance measurement – such that performance measurement measures only part of the performance it seeks to be performative on, incentives to perform incentivise poor performance and so on. These paradoxes, contradictions and ironies must be apprehended and appreciated in discovering, discerning and deciphering the diverse dynamics of measuring performance. They also demonstrate that analysing and working with performance measurement requires a perspective that eschews absolutes and clear directions, and embraces the uneasy and potentially destabilising tension of Escher’s performative art.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Henman, 2016. "Techniques and paradoxes in performing performance measurements: concluding reflections," Policy Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(6), pages 597-609, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:cposxx:v:37:y:2016:i:6:p:597-609
    DOI: 10.1080/01442872.2016.1190447
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    Cited by:

    1. Giovanni Esposito & Andrea Terlizzi & François Pichault, 2024. "The Panopticon reloaded: A critical analysis of performance management systems in the trans-European transport network policy," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 42(3), pages 476-498, May.

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