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Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory Advance Access first published online on August 9, 2006
This version published online on September 1, 2006
Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, doi:10.1093/jopart/mul007
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© The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.

Article

Performance Targets and Public Service Improvement

George A. Boyne 1 and Alex A. Chen 1 *

1 Cardiff University

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Alex A. Chen, E-mail: chena{at}cardiff.ac.uk


  Abstract

Theories of rational planning suggest that organizational performance improves if targets for future achievements are set. We test this proposition using panel data for 147 English local education authorities between 1998 and 2003. The dependent variables in the analysis are exam results for school pupils. We find that, controlling for other variables, the extent of performance improvement is influenced positively by the presence of a target. Thus, the results are consistent with the view that clear and quantified strategic priorities lead to better organizational outcomes.

Equation 1 has been corrected.


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