Exploring the Shift from Output Measures to Outcome Measures of Service Delivery: Insights from Municipal Research

Abstract

Prior research shows that reporting on outcome measures increases the probability that local officials will use perform- ance data to inform their decisions. What has been over- looked in the literature is the question of why some local governments continue to focus more on outputs than on out- comes of service delivery, thereby limiting their ability to use performance data for decision-making. The purpose of this art- icle is to identify organizational, individual, and support factors that could increase the probability that local officials in the Apulia Region of Italy when measuring performance, will move beyond the basic measures of output to the more advanced measures of outcome. Based on our logit regression model, we find that the factors of quantifiable objectives and employee training increase the likelihood that local officials will report on service delivery outcomes. An implication result- ing from our research is the importance of giving local officials access to academic communities through applied research, technical assistance, and training sessions. We conclude with future research opportunities that would help advance the study and practice of performance measurement in local government.