Examining the Outcomes of Balanced Scorecard Application in selected sectors as Integral Tool for Institutional Transformation in Oromia Regional State
Abstract
Over the last two decades Ethiopia has been actively engaged in reforming its public sector with the anticipation to make it more responsive, transparent, flexible, and more compatible with demand of its public and its constituencies to ensure good governance. Nevertheless, despite repeated comprehensive reform programs applied and acclaimed success stories by public authorities, still the public outcry for responsive public service remained outstanding challenge. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the application of Balanced Score Card (BSC) using blend of survey and case study methods in 12 organizations selected from three major sectors in four major cities. The study intended to draw lessons for policy implications and consultants who aspire to support the public sector reform efforts in least developed countries. The preliminary output that applied descriptive, inferential statistics, and qualitative analysis obtained from focus group discussion suggest that: there is strong intention from the public authorities to align public sector service delivery outcomes with strategic goal and public interest so as to make each job holder accountable for the intended result(s). Nevertheless, there were limitations in maintaining the momentum of the reform; both political and management support were erratic. Although the reform has resulted in positive mental revolution with respect to the use of BSC among the constituencies involved in the process, realization of the intentions remained more of a form than a substance. Interestingly, the study has generated multiple cases that can provoke thinking and empirical lessons for policy makers, consultants and others.
Key words: BSC, Performance measures, Good governance, public sector reform
Examining the Outcomes of Balanced Scorecard Application in selected sectors as Integral Tool for Institutional Transformation in Oromia Regional State
Over the last two decades Ethiopia has been actively engaged in reforming its public sector with the anticipation to make it more responsive, transparent, flexible, and more compatible with demand of its public and its constituencies to ensure good governance. Nevertheless, despite repeated comprehensive reform programs applied and acclaimed success stories by public authorities, still the public outcry for responsive public service remained outstanding challenge. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the application of Balanced Score Card (BSC) using blend of survey and case study methods in 12 organizations selected from three major sectors in four major cities. The study intended to draw lessons for policy implications and consultants who aspire to support the public sector reform efforts in least developed countries. The preliminary output that applied descriptive, inferential statistics, and qualitative analysis obtained from focus group discussion suggest that: there is strong intention from the public authorities to align public sector service delivery outcomes with strategic goal and public interest so as to make each job holder accountable for the intended result(s). Nevertheless, there were limitations in maintaining the momentum of the reform; both political and management support were erratic. Although the reform has resulted in positive mental revolution with respect to the use of BSC among the constituencies involved in the process, realization of the intentions remained more of a form than a substance. Interestingly, the study has generated multiple cases that can provoke thinking and empirical lessons for policy makers, consultants and others.
Key words: BSC, Performance measures, Good governance, public sector reform