What have been some of the key factors influencing the success of performance measurement systems?
Wholey: Executive leadership is key. You need people who believe in setting outcome-oriented goals and who are trying to aim their organizations in that direction. This requires that they consistently demonstrate their belief and commitment to it—not just one time. Some executives hold “how are we doing” sessions which examine what the data are and what they mean and what action to take. These continually reinforce that the executive is interested. Hatry: At the federal level, one of the unique features has been support from both the Congress and the Executive, both political parties, and the Office of Management and Budget, and the General Accounting Office (GAO). This bipartisan support is remarkable and distinguishes the current work from previous budgetary and management reform efforts. We recognize that this is not the case in many results efforts. Where bipartisan support may not exist, a law on the books is helpful, although it is no guarantee. Wholey: People who take this serio
