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Comparing how to compare: an evaluation of alternative performance measurement systems in the field of social care
- Authors:
- CLARKSON Paul, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Evaluation, 16(1), January 2010, pp.59-79.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article provides an overview of performance measurement systems and compares the different performance measurement systems in practice for older people receiving community care services in England, Northern Ireland and Japan. Over time, there have been changes in England with current systems concentrating on national systems of regulation with top-down implementation of standards and measures. In contrast, Northern Irish organisations are compared descriptively without the use of national targets. A third type of approach used in Japan, with organisations providing similar services utilising local information collected in a bottom-up manner, used service user generated data. The authors use the Performance Indicator Analytical Framework, a ‘logic model’ which compares the different systems in use, concentrating on aspects of system design and the use of measures. Comparing how to compare must, say the authors, be sensitive to the different aims ascribed to performance evaluation in the three countries. In England, the aim is one of control of subordinate agencies by central government while in Northern Ireland description of the complexity of outputs allow local Trusts to compare their provision with others and plan locally. In Japan, monitoring of the long-term insurance system by the municipalities provided detailed data at the local level. The authors conclude the choice of performance measurement system can constrain or enhance relationships with other evaluative activities, thereby affecting social care provision.