THE INTEGRATIVE (OR DISRUPTIVE) ROLE OF PERFORMANCE-BASED PLANNING . A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE ITALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

In the last twenty years many OECD governments have launched challenges aiming to introduce performance tools. Among these, performance-based planning and programming (PBPP) refers to the application of performance management principles within the planning and programming processes. This substantially means that performance is once more a key subject of the reforms in the public sector and it’s well recognized the narrow link between the planning process and its effects on the performance of both individuals and organizations. In Italy, in 2009 a reform went through for the implementation of the “performance cycle” in public administration, according to an encoded pattern that is now the main source of change. This model is supported by the planning programming tools already in use and has been differently incorporated at the various levels of the public sector (central, regional and local ). In the case of the local government, the performance cycle fits in a structured system aimed above all at financial planning and has to be linked to a series of operational programs that are designed to respond to different needs. The matter is “which aspects of performance are affected by performance planning in a strategic perspective and how is the link with the financial process?” The methodological approach is both theoretical and empirical. Firstly, we proceed by a theoretical review of the impact of strategic planning on the performance of public organizations. Secondly, by using two case studies, from a national initiative involving ten Italian municipalities (metropolitan areas), we formulate a comparison on how their government re-adressed strategic planning to the new performance perspective and what is the impact on financial planning and programming. Results show that public organizations risk of losing sight of the outcome as a key component of the performance system, so privileging, internal processes and individual variables without relevant external effects.