PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EVALUATION

The benefits of performance monitoring for public services are identif ied as greater transparency of objectives for results, This article co nsiders recent experience in developing standards to evaluate efficien cy and effectiveness of public services. In broad terms this is being done through performance information which is a much more encompassing concept than standards or indicators. Such information is an element of an accountability framework that provides greater management autono my and flexibility and extends to the private sector which is increasi ngly providing, or involved with the provision of public services.