The Numerical Psychology of Performance Information: Implications for Citizens, Managers, and Policy Makers.

TY - JOUR

T1 - The Numerical Psychology of Performance Information

T2 - Implications for Citizens, Managers, and Policy Makers.

AU - Olsen, Asmus Leth

PY - 2016/1/2

Y1 - 2016/1/2

N2 - Performance information attaches numbers to the inputs, outputs, and outcomes of public services. Numbers are what separate performance information from other sources of information about public sector performance. In cognitive and social psychology, there are vast amounts of research on the profound effects of numbers on human attitudes and behavior, but these insights are largely unexplored by scholars of performance information. This article introduces the importance of numerical psychology for the study of performance information, pointing out how numerical research both challenges existing beliefs about performance information and allows for the formulation of new hypotheses. These insights are relevant to all levels of study, including citizens, managers, and policymakers.

AB - Performance information attaches numbers to the inputs, outputs, and outcomes of public services. Numbers are what separate performance information from other sources of information about public sector performance. In cognitive and social psychology, there are vast amounts of research on the profound effects of numbers on human attitudes and behavior, but these insights are largely unexplored by scholars of performance information. This article introduces the importance of numerical psychology for the study of performance information, pointing out how numerical research both challenges existing beliefs about performance information and allows for the formulation of new hypotheses. These insights are relevant to all levels of study, including citizens, managers, and policymakers.

KW - Faculty of Social Sciences

KW - Performance

KW - PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

KW - heuristics and biases

KW - performance measures

KW - psychology

U2 - 10.1080/15309576.2016.1071167

DO - 10.1080/15309576.2016.1071167

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1530-9576

VL - 39

SP - 100

EP - 115

JO - Public Performance and Management Review

JF - Public Performance and Management Review

IS - 1

ER -