Assessing the Validity, Legitimacy, and Functionality of Performance Measurement Systems in Municipal Governments

Abstract

There is now great interest in the use of performance measurement and there have been a number of studies that focused on municipal governments. The findings to date tend to be descriptive. This analysis seeks to add to this discussion by comparing real world conditions with the criteria outlined in a prescriptive model. The authors look at the validity, legitimacy, and functionality of municipal performance measures. The data on the use of performance measures come from a detailed survey that was mailed to all municipalities with populations larger than 25,000. The analysis identifies weaknesses in all of the areas that were examined, though there are a number of municipal governments that have developed very sophisticated performance measurement systems. The authors also offer some thoughts on what can be done to enhance municipal performance measures.