Defining and measuring productivity in the public sector: managerial perceptions
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 6 April 2010
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify what productivity means in the public sector, how it is measured and how it should be measured and improved, according to municipal authorities in managerial positions.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is both theoretical and empirical. The first part is a literature review of research concerning public sector productivity. The second part presents findings of empirical research that is based on interviews and workshops with municipal authorities representing: special healthcare services; basic healthcare and social services, and educational services. The research was carried out in the Päijät‐Häme region, Finland.
Findings
According to the results, there is a certain mismatch between perceptions concerning productivity and the potential that lies in this concept as a functional tool in the public sector's development efforts. Public sector productivity cannot be developed and discussed without taking into consideration the issue of effectiveness.
Practical implications
Deeper common understanding concerning productivity and effectiveness and their measurement are likely to facilitate municipal decision making and service processes in individual workplaces as well as within and among different spheres of authority – and thus facilitate mutual learning.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to development and application of productivity and effectiveness thinking in the public sector. It is linked to service excellence, performance measurement and management systems, creativity in process delivery and deployment of improvement techniques in the public sector. It is of interest both to researchers and practitioners.
Keywords
Citation
Linna, P., Pekkola, S., Ukko, J. and Melkas, H. (2010), "Defining and measuring productivity in the public sector: managerial perceptions", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 300-320. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513551011032491
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited