‘Politicians have reorganized public services on the assumption that performance data offers new possibilities for governance. There are few, if any, public management issues more important than how this data is used. Performance Management in the Public Sector offers the most accessible account of the complexities of this topic. It serves the need of the student and practitioner, while integrating and adding to the best research. In particular, the book offers a recipe for a positive, learning-based approach to performance management that is badly needed in practice. My first edition of this book has become dog-eared through repeated use, and I expect the second edition to be just as valuable.’ - Donald Moynihan is Professor of Public Affairs, Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin, USA ‘An evenhanded, comprehensive, and crystal clear assessment of a prime topic in contemporary public management.’ - Mark Bovens, Utrecht University School of Governance, the Netherlands ‘This new edition builds sensitively on the comprehensive coverage of the first edition. Readers will be delighted to see an updated literature and a wealth of recent practical examples. This reaffirms this text as essential reading for anyone with an interest in performance management in the public sector.’ - Dr Ian Elliott, Senior Lecturer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK ‘This book deepens our understanding of performance management, emphasising the contested nature of a concept that has become synonymous with management in general and human resource management in particular. MBA and HRM students will find this a valuable text.’ - Dr Bob Mason, Department of Management & Leadership, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland