TY  - JOUR
A1  - Kuhlmann, Sabine
A1  - Bogumil, Jörg
T1  - Performance measurement and benchmarking as “reflexive institutions” for local governments
BT  - Germany, Sweden and England compared
JF  - International journal of public sector management
N2  - Purpose 
The purpose of this paper is to discuss different approaches of performance measurement and benchmarking as reflexive institutions for local governments in England, Germany and Sweden from a comparative perspective. 
Design/methodology/approach 
These three countries have been selected because they represent typical (most different) cases of European local government systems and reforms. The existing theories on institutional reflexivity point to the potential contribution of benchmarking to public sector innovation and organizational learning. Based on survey findings, in-depth case studies, interviews and document analyses in these three countries, the paper addresses the major research question as to what extent and why benchmarking regimes vary across countries. It derives hypotheses about the impacts of benchmarking on institutional learning and innovation. 
Findings 
The outcomes suggest that the combination of three key features of benchmarking, namely - obligation, sanctions and benchmarking authority - in conjunction with country-specific administrative context conditions and local actor constellations - influences the impact of benchmarking as a reflexive institution. 
Originality/value 
It is shown in the paper that compulsory benchmarking on its own does not lead to reflexivity and learning, but that there is a need for autonomy and leeway for local actors to cope with benchmarking results. These findings are relevant because policy makers must decide upon the specific governance mix of benchmarking exercises taking their national and local contexts into account if they want them to promote institutional learning and innovation.
KW  - Benchmarking
KW  - Administration
KW  - Local government reform
Y1  - 2018
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-01-2017-0004
SN  - 0951-3558
SN  - 1758-6666
VL  - 31
IS  - 4
SP  - 543
EP  - 562
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
CY  - Bingley
ER  -