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Assessing performance-use preferences through an institutional logics lens

Benard Ngoye (Center for Public Governance and Management, ESADE Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain)
Vicenta Sierra (Center for Business Network Dynamics, ESADE Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain)
Tamyko Ysa (Center for Public Governance and Management, ESADE Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain)

International Journal of Public Sector Management

ISSN: 0951-3558

Article publication date: 6 June 2018

Issue publication date: 7 January 2019

410

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of shared cognitive frames, in particular, that of institutional logics, on the deployment and use of performance measurement systems (PMSs) in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using novel priming techniques derived from behavioral and social psychology, three institutional logics – the public, market-managerial and professional logics – are differentially surfaced in three independent experimental groups. The influence of these primed institutional logics on performance measurement use preferences are then empirically assessed using appropriate analysis of variance techniques.

Findings

Contrary to theoretical predictions, the paper reveals logic congruence regarding some uses of PMSs in the public sector, and divergence regarding others. Individuals applying a public logic were more likely to propose performance measurement use for strategic planning or strategic alignment; while those applying a professional logic were more likely to propose performance measurement use for learning, compared to otherwise primed individuals.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the sample size and the novelty of the priming tools, it is feasible that other potentially significant effects may have been missed.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a gap in literature regarding the influence of shared cognitive frames on performance measurement use in public sector organizations. The paper further presents priming techniques embedded within an experimental design as an appropriate method for the micro-level study of attitudes, preferences and judgments in the public sector.

Keywords

Citation

Ngoye, B., Sierra, V. and Ysa, T. (2019), "Assessing performance-use preferences through an institutional logics lens", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 2-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-12-2017-0344

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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