The integration of risk and performance management: the role of boundary objects
Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management
ISSN: 1096-3367
Article publication date: 25 December 2020
Issue publication date: 3 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the role of boundary objects and boundary work in the integration of risk management (RM) and performance management (PM) systems. In particular, the paper combines theoretical insights with an empirical focus to examine how shared contexts are created through the boundary work performed by key actors across knowledge boundaries.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper develops an exploratory qualitative case study from a local government context. The methodology is based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews.
Findings
Boundary objects can act as knowledge integration mechanisms, allowing key actors to understand the meanings and uses of RM and PM practices. The paper shows how collaborative versus competitive boundary work exerted by key actors can explain the creation of shared contexts leading to integration between RM and PM.
Originality/value
The results contribute to the debate about the integration of RM with other managerial systems. Differently from previous research, the integration theme is addressed in the present work by looking specifically to the integration between RM and PM. In doing so, the role of both boundary objects and the boundary work performed by relevant actors to demarcate their legitimacy and autonomy over preferred practices is portrayed.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors' contribution to the development of the paper is a follow: Sections 1, 2, 5 and 6 to Enrico Bracci; Sections 1 and 4 to Giorgia Gobbo; Sections 3 and 4.1 to Luca Papi.The authors wish to thank the editors and the two anonymous referees for their contributions in the development of the paper. The authors also thank the participants to the first seminar of global experience in accounting and budget performance management organized by the University of Shanghai School of Management in December 18th, 2019.The research benefited from research funds awarded by the Department of Public Function under the title “Performance organizzativa – integrazione tra risk management e misurazione della performance organizzativa: analisi dello stato attuale” (DFP-0074306-P-21/12/2017).
Citation
Bracci, E., Gobbo, G. and Papi, L. (2022), "The integration of risk and performance management: the role of boundary objects", Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 139-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBAFM-02-2020-0024
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited