Performance measurement presents ongoing challenges for businesses and organizations, as explored in this book. It delves into the complexities and nuances that make effective measurement difficult, highlighting various factors that contribute to this issue. By examining the intricacies of performance metrics, the author provides insights into why traditional approaches may fall short and suggests new perspectives for addressing these persistent problems.
In this volume, the authors closely examine performance and draw on both sociology and economics to explain why some organizations perform well and others perform badly. They first separate the concept of organizational performance from that of organizational persistence. Then they develop a provocative theory of why - and how - organizations tend towards failure and how they survive in spite of it. Meyer and Zucker contend that management plays a critical role in the movement towards or away from poor performance, yet persistence is determined by the often competing interests of owners, managers, workers and the public.
Focusing on the dynamics of change, this book explores the transformation processes within 240 public bureaucracies at the city, county, and state levels that manage local finance administration. It provides an in-depth analysis of how these organizations adapt and evolve, shedding light on the factors influencing their operations and the impact of these changes on public finance management.