Performance evaluation in humanitarian operations based on the beneficiary perspective

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the main performance criteria for Humanitarian Operations (HOs) from the beneficiary perspective and to propose a taxonomy to support the evaluation of stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The research conducts a Systematic Literature Review to identify the main criteria in HOs from the beneficiary's view. Also, we conduct an empirical study based on a survey and a case study to validate the findings in a real-life setting.

Findings

Considering 25 papers, the identified performance criteria were divided into six categories: health, housing, education, socioeconomic factors, care and risk and disaster management. The empirical discussion considered forty-four responses from beneficiaries, and the main criteria complained about were related to socioeconomic factors. In addition, a case study was developed that examines the perspective of the company responsible for the construction of the building to aid in understanding the areas of dissatisfaction noted by the residents.

Practical implications

The research contributes organized criteria to support the performance evaluation of organizations. It offers a structured basis for further discussion among academics and professionals about other performance evaluation topics, such as dashboards and the integration of indicators from different stakeholders.

Originality/value

Literature is scarce in questions of performance evaluation in HOs and the analysis of the beneficiary as the main client. Therefore, the paper contributes to both areas by evaluating HOs from the beneficiary's perspective.

Citation

Cardoso, B., Fontainha, T., Leiras, A. and Cardoso, P.A. (2023), "Performance evaluation in humanitarian operations based on the beneficiary perspective", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 72 No. 1, pp. 66-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-06-2020-0295