Purpose – This paper aims to explore the influence of specific characteristics of the public sector in developing countries (i.e. a low‐institutional capacity, a limited involvement of stakeholders, and high levels of corruption and informality), and of reforms of this sector, on public sector performance measurement (PSPM).Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of prior literature, the paper develops understanding of the demand for and supply of performance information in developing countries, and of changes in this area.Findings – The paper argues that public sector organisations in developing countries are likely to face an unbalanced position, i.e. disequilibrium between the demand for and supply of performance information. More precisely, the public sector reforms – which are partly stimulated by a growing involvement of some stakeholders – lead to an increasing demand for performance information but, because of the low‐institutional capacity and the high level of corruption, this increasing...

Public sector performance measurement in developing countries: a literature review and research agenda

Political and sociological shifts have profoundly affected state, business and civil society relationships. This paper explores governance as a new form of public–private policymaking wherein stakeholders deliberate on and take action to achieve common goals. It examines how different public spheres facilitate (or not) sustainability debates, and specifically facilitate (or not) discussion about sustainable tourism. Using a case study of the 2009 Australian World Rally Championship, the paper explores the development of the public sphere. Tuckman's group development process – forming, storming, norming and performing – is employed as a lens to understand these processes. Key findings include: the way the public sphere is constituted has a major influence on the dialogue that takes place; citizens are currently reactive, rather than strategic and creative in their engagement; the “third way” project, seeking to empower communities, requires government commitment; there is a blurring of public–private inter...

Event tourism governance and the public sphere

This paper aims to explore the conceptual issues associated with defining Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) There are different definitions for PPPs in the literature on the subject PPPs are viewed from different angles These include as a way of managing and governing organisations, as an institutional arrangement for financial relationship, as a development strategy, and also as a language game The review of different definitions indicates that there is no precise agreed definition of PPP However, there are common features across the different approaches as well as distinctive features Several gaps have been identified related to issues of governance, management and policy design of PPPs This paper offers some suggestions relating to different conceptual issues which emerge in defining PPPs

Conceptual Issues in Defining Public Private Partnerships (PPPs)

After many decades of reform efforts and capacity-building, the delivery of public services in most sub-Saharan African states remains in crisis. Yet explanations of this failure which focus on failure of implementation, continued overstaffing, lack of political will or the inherent problems of ‘neo-patrimonialism’ are unconvincing. In fact the key problems of African public services remain those of understaffing and lack of organisational commitment. It is argued that the best way forward is to identify and work with the competent managers to be found in ‘islands of effectiveness’, encouraging and spreading more effective kinds of incentives and developing more positive organisational cultures. Pressure from the public for better performance is only likely to work if the need to respond is incorporated into organisational incentive structures.

Rethinking civil service reform in Africa: ‘islands of effectiveness’ and organisational commitment

This paper addresses the contribution of procurement planning to improved local governance using the findings from a study conducted among the key political and administrative stakeholders from 11 local governments in Uganda. A total of 99 respondents out of the expected 150 respondents returned the survey instrument (a response rate of 66%). The data were analysed using principal component factor analysis, upon whose results; reliability analysis for each of the retained factor components was calculated and this paved way for correlation and regression analyses. The results do indicate a very significant positive relationship between procurement planning and local governance in Uganda. The paper concludes that the vast resources local governments spend to buy goods, services and works essential for their operations requires adequate planning. Suggestions are made for the local government's political and administrative stakeholders as well as the policy makers in Uganda on the critical issues of procurement planning, essential for local governance.

Procurement planning and local governance in Uganda: a factor analysis approach

Concepts and Issues Good Governance in the Public Sector - Promotion and Management of Productivity Accountability and Transparency in the Public Service Public and Private Sector Partnership Paradigm The Role of the State in Creating a Conducive Environment Public and Private Sector Values in Partnership Strengthening Teaching, Training and Management Development for the Public Services

Sam Agere

Papers

Promoting good governance : principles, practices and perspectives

Accountability and transparency in the public service