Better Performance with Lump-sum Budgeting? Exploring Cases of Success and Failure in Public administrations
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2009-06-22
Author(s)
Helmuth, Utz
Abstract
In a qualitative case study, I examine under which circumstances lump-sum budgeting enhances or constrains public managers' performance. This budgeting paradigm is associated with more room to maneuver for managers and focuses on outcome orientation. It has been introduced in the context of managerialism and New Public Management in several countries around the globe.
However, evaluations of those reforms have shown that results regarding performance are rather diverse. This paper deals with the questions of what accounts for the diversity. The study uses typological theory for cross-case analyses in combination with methods of withincase analyses to specify predictors beyond the control of public managers that explain the performance outcome. Hence, it becomes more clear why more room to maneuver does not always improve performance. This also reflects the living diversity of public sector organizations and illustrates the shortcomings of generalizing assumptions of "one size fits all" management concepts.
However, evaluations of those reforms have shown that results regarding performance are rather diverse. This paper deals with the questions of what accounts for the diversity. The study uses typological theory for cross-case analyses in combination with methods of withincase analyses to specify predictors beyond the control of public managers that explain the performance outcome. Hence, it becomes more clear why more room to maneuver does not always improve performance. This also reflects the living diversity of public sector organizations and illustrates the shortcomings of generalizing assumptions of "one size fits all" management concepts.
Language
English
Keywords
Lump-sum budgeting
performance management
New Public Management (NPM)
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Government Performance in Comparative Perspective
Publisher
Seoul National University
Publisher place
Seoul
Start page
387
End page
411
Pages
25
Event Title
International Public Management Network (IPMN) Conference 2009
Event Location
Seoul
Event Date
22.-24.06.2009
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
54929