Rational and symbolic uses of performance measurement

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the uses and users of performance measurement (PM) in the university context. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data were gathered from four universities. This approach allows for a multilevel and comparative analysis based on the neo-institutional theory. The results are discussed alongside interdisciplinary literature on the use of PM in the public sector. Findings PM practices at universities have become increasingly popular on institutional, organisational and individual levels. The results indicate that different types of PM are used in universities and that the extent, and scope of PM used by various actors differ. Universities often use PM in a ceremonial and symbolic manner, with the aim of legitimising themselves externally as research-oriented institutions. The use of PM depends on both, exogenous factors (such as isomorphic pressures) and endogenous factors related to the different responses of organisations and individual actors (university managers, and academics). However, the analysis at the internal level reveals different attitudes and some resistance to the use of such kinds of PM. In universities with a local focus, the use of PM for rational decision-making is generally loosely coupled with the reporting performance for external accountability purposes. Moreover, the internal use of PM can be also symbolic. Research limitations/implications This paper focusses on four case studies that are currently undergoing changes. The comparative analysis is supported by the use of different data collection methods and several in-depth interviews with key university actors. Originality/value The authors assume that the use of PM depends on a number of exogenous and endogenous factors. PM uses and users are discussed in the specific context of the higher education system in Poland. The four business school cases facilitate a comparative analysis of the similarities and differences in terms of the uses and users of PM in the context of internationally and locally oriented universities.

Calculative regimes in the making: implementation and consequences in the context of Austrian public universities

“…Universities simultaneously established their own calculative technologies. This is in line with the findings of Dobija et al (2019) and Agostino and Arnaboldi (2017). Symbolic use means to serve ritualistically a purpose you do not Austrian public universities necessarily identify withand doing something different in parallel.…”

“….] PM in response to exogenous pressures (coming from externally imposed regulations) and endogenous pressures (based on university responses or autonomous initiatives to assess their performance)" (Dobija et al, 2019).…”

The Impact of Competing Institutional Pressures and Logics on the Use of Performance Measurement in Hybrid Universities

“…A chair produced a performance report, the results of which he or she then discussed with the top management of the university. However, it seems that the entire PM process, both at the departmental and individual levels, played a more ceremonial and symbolic role, already forgotten by the faculty (Dobija, G orska, Grossi, & Strzelczyk, 2019).…”

“…Our study's findings are consistent with those of previous research on PM practices in higher education (Dobija et. al., 2018(Dobija et. al., , 2019Geuna & Rossi, 2011;Harker et al, 2016;Kallio et al, 2016;Parker, 2011;Pettersen, 2015;Pop-Vasileva et al, 2011;ter Bogt & Scapens, 2012).…”

Impact of Rewards System on Employee Motivation: A Study of a Manufacturing Firm in Oman

“…This theory is one of the first theories written on employee motivation. This theory claims that money is the best substitute for motivating employees (Dobija, Górska, Grossi, & Strzelczyk, 2019). The theory says that employees don"t always enjoy their work which leads them to slack hours.…”