How Can We Improve Government Performance? Implementation Context and Key Factors Affecting Performance Outcomes

Dr. Alexander Heckman discusses how we expect our governments to tackle a diverse array of problems and take on a myriad of responsibilities. Often, we are frustrated at their apparent lack of success at doing so. What are the key factors that impact how effectively government agencies perform? Drawing upon my own empirical research and the public administration literature, I present a framework for thinking about the answer to this question, along with ideas for how to improve government performance. Specifically, I focus on the impact of management quality on government performance; including its interrelationship with other important factors such resources, politics, and the nature of the problem situation. The poster also offers ideas for advancing scholarship that seeks to make practical recommendations for improving public management and government performance. Citizens and scholars interested in developing a better understanding of how to assess and improve government should find this poster offers valuable food for thought.