How Organisations Measure Success: The Use of Performance Indicators

In this review of How Organisations Measure Success: The Use of Performance Indicators in Government the author presents a clear, research-driven look at how measurement shapes public services. Based on two years of field research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, this book is for readers who want an empirically grounded study of performance indicators across government departments and public agencies. The biggest reason to read it is the detailed, firsthand reporting that explains how indicators influence decisions and behaviour in both public and private organisations.

Key Features

• Field research: Two years of on-the-ground investigation provide concrete examples of how organisations adopt and adapt performance indicators.
• Cross-sector analysis: Coverage spans government departments, public agencies and private businesses so readers see contrasts between different organisational contexts.
• Policy relevance: Findings are framed to inform policymakers and administrators pondering the trade offs of indicator use.
• Evidence based: The book draws directly on ESRC-funded research, strengthening the credibility of its claims and observations.
• Practical insight: Case studies reveal how indicators shape staff incentives, priorities and routine decision making.

Who It's For

This book is best for public policy students, government analysts, and managers who need a thoughtful, research-led account of how performance indicators function in practice. Academics who study public administration will appreciate the methodological grounding and the comparative perspective across agencies.

Readers seeking a quick how-to manual or a prescriptive toolkit for implementing metrics should look elsewhere; the emphasis here is explanatory and analytical rather than a step-by-step implementation guide.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Grounded empirical research offers specific, real-world examples that illuminate abstract debates about measurement.
• Comparative scope lets readers see differences between public agencies and private businesses in their use of indicators.
• Policy-focused discussion makes the book useful to practitioners and policymakers seeking evidence to inform decisions.

Cons

• The book is analytical rather than prescriptive, so it may disappoint readers wanting step-by-step guidance on implementing indicators.

Specifications

Title	How Organisations Measure Success: The Use of Performance Indicators in Government
Author	Neil Carter
Research basis	Two years of field research
Funding	Economic and Social Research Council
Scope	Government departments, public agencies, private businesses
Focus	Performance indicators and measurement in public affairs

Our Verdict

How Organisations Measure Success is a valuable, evidence-rich read for anyone studying or working in public administration who needs a clear account of how indicators shape organisational behaviour. It offers good value for readers seeking explanation and policy insight rather than a practical implementation handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book based on original research?
Yes. It reports two years of field research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Does it cover private sector organisations?
Yes. The analysis includes private businesses alongside government departments and public agencies.

Is the book a practical how-to guide?
No. Its emphasis is analytical and explanatory rather than providing step-by-step implementation instructions.