OPS 44. Measuring Success: Issues in Performance Measurement

In recent years, calls for greater accountability, concerns about quality, funding constraints and the development of a contract culture have created demands for more sophisticated performance measurement strategies. Donors and governments increasingly emphasis effectiveness and sustainability. As a consequence, NGOs are under pressure to invest more in evaluating their work and measuring its impact. According to Paton (2003), non-profits today operate in an environment permeated by ‘expectations of measurement’. This has lead to an increasing interest in how best to design and apply new performance measurement frameworks.

As a result, new evaluatory strategies are being introduced that account for differing contextual differences. Across the private, public, and non-profit sectors, new performance measurement frameworks are being developed that reflect their differing needs.