Transforming Public and Nonprofit Organizations

CHAPTER EIGHTMeasuring Change Performance

One of the strong findings that has emerged from our case studies is the importance of using performance measurement strategically to facilitate change efforts. The use of performance data to inform management is not a new concept. The belief that concrete data on program performance, or performance metrics, should guide managers’ decision-making has framed most discussions of management in public and nonprofit agencies in the United States since the early 1990s. With the increased emphasis on quantitative measurement of outcomes, “program performance” has become a higher priority. Measuring and reporting on program performance focuses the attention of public and nonprofit managers and oversight agents, ...