Performance Management – An Introduction

This handout gives a brief introduction to what performance management is all about, its benefits and also the risks that are linked to its introduction into the public sector. It will not set out detailed information about how to measure performance but should provide a platform for discussion on how to implement a more output/outcome focused approach to organising, managing and developing a public organisation. The idea is to give a brief overview of what performance management is and to describe the different components which must be in place for a holistic approach. The focus is wider than performance measurement, which is just one aspect of performance management.