How do politicians use performance information? An analysis of the Norwegian local government experience

Abstract

This article aims to improve knowledge of performance information's role in political decision-making. Two research questions are addressed, with data from a national survey of councillors in Norway: first, how important is performance information for councillors? The article disaggregates decision-making into three stages and assesses performance information utilization at each stage. The results show surprisingly high levels of utilization. Second, why do some councillors use performance information more than others? The article compares utilization across policy sectors and the results show two contrasting groups: utilization is higher among councillors working with elderly care, administrative affairs, and educational affairs than among councillors working with other sectors. Possible reasons for this pattern are discussed.