A demand has always existed for tools and instruments that measure the effectiveness, responsiveness and efficiency of public administration. Many assessment instruments used in developing countries have been developed by donors and international organizations, with few developed by civil society or non-government, academic and research organizations.

 

Yet demand is increasing for measurement tools that also capture the impact of the public administration on the poor, especially in relation to the delivery of public goods and services.  Public administration measurement instruments can be purpose-built tools that purport to measure a particular aspect of public administration, broader governance assessment tools and information sources that include a component on public administration, or tools designed for a different purpose but measuring the relevant processes.

 

Externally driven measurement initiatives in the area of public administration reform are usually undertaken for three main purposes, particularly to evaluate the success of a donor-sponsored programme. They also may evaluate whether the public financial management system of a country is of the necessary quality for efficient use of budget support by donors,or, more generally, can guide donor allocations to countries deemed to have a “well-functioning” public sector.