You can't improve performance in an organization without measurement---but how you measure matters. Traditional measurement systems can create dysfunction and distrust. This breakthrough approach provides an alternative---a roadmap for moving, with little or no disruption, toward a more mature, effective, and transformative+D18 measurement system.

This is the digital version of the printed book (Copyright © 1996). Based on an award-winning doctoral thesis at Carnegie Mellon University, Measuring and Managing Performance in Organizations presents a captivating analysis of the perils of performance measurement systems. In the book’s foreword, Peopleware authors Tom DeMarco and Timothy Lister rave, “We believe this is a book that needs to be on the desk of just about anyone who manages anything.” Because people often react with unanticipated sophistication when they are being measured, measurement-based management systems can become dysfunctional, interfering with achievement of intended results. Fortunately, as the author shows, measurement dysfunction follows a pattern that can be identified and avoided. The author’s findings are bolstered by interviews with eight recognized experts in the use of measurement to manage computer software development: David N. Card, of Software Productivity Solutions; Tom DeMarco, of the Atlantic Systems Guild; Capers Jones, of Software Productivity Research; John Musa, of AT&T Bell Laboratories; Daniel J. Paulish, of Siemens Corporate Research; Lawrence H. Putnam, of Quantitative Software Management; E. O. Tilford, Sr., of Fissure; plus the anonymous Expert X. A practical model for analyzing measurement projects solidifies the text–don’t start without it!

Long before reinventing government came into vogue, the Urban Institute pioneered methods for government and human services agencies to measure the performance of their programs. This comprehensive guidebook synthesizes more than two decades of Harry Hatry's groundbreaking work. It covers every component of the performance measurement process, from identifying the program’s mission, objectives, customers, and trackable outcomes to finding the best indicators for each outcome, the sources of data, and how to collect them. Hatry explains how to select indicator breakouts and benchmarks for comparison to actual values, and describes numerous uses for performance information. Since the publication of the first edition in 1999, the use of performance measurement has exploded at all levels of U.S. government, in nonprofit agencies, and around the world. The new edition has been revised and expanded to address recent developments in the field, including the increased availability of computer technology in collecting and presenting information, the movement to use outcome data to improve services, and the quality control issues that have emerged as data collection has increased. It is an indispensable handbook for newcomers and an important resource for experienced managers looking to improve their use of outcome data.

Recently a revolution has taken place in organizations around the world to transform their performance management systems from burdensome chores into a valuable business practices. Many high-profile companies have announced they are getting rid of the dreaded performance reviews and replacing them with ongoing coaching and feedback. Although these cases are inspiring other organizations to contemplate change, many are left with more questions than answers. While many fads and quick fixes have been proposed to answer these questions, little research exists to support them. This book provides a practical and evidence-based guide for building a performance management approach that actually improves performance. It cuts through the hype and gives actionable advice, useful tools, and real-world examples for organizations to build the business case for change, plan the transformation, design the new system, and implement the change effectively. Featuring research findings as well as concrete strategies from organizations that have proven successful, this book provides a roadmap for meaningful change. It will be of interest to professionals and scholars interested in evidence-based performance management and the challenges facing organizations.

Given our rapidly changing world, companies are virtually forced to engage in continuous performance monitoring. Though Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) may at times seem to be the real driving force behind social systems, economies and organizations, they can also have far-reaching normative effects, which can modify organizational behavior and influence key decisions – even to the point that organizations themselves tend to become what they measure! Selecting the right performance indicators is hardly a simple undertaking. This book describes in detail the main characteristics of performance measurement systems and summarizes practical methods for defining KPIs, combining theoretical and practical aspects. These descriptions are supported by a wealth of practical examples. The book is intended for all academics, professionals and consultants involved in the analysis and management of KPIs.

A multidisciplinary book on performance measurement that will appeal to students, researchers and managers.