Measurement and Meaningful Management

Abstract

It is commonly assumed that management is responsible for the performance of a system. Since measurement is closely identified with management intentions and practices, as the latter change, the former requires adaptation. Shifts in the reality of the workplace will have implications for performance assessment and implementation. One of the major implications of ongoing changes in the workplace is that traditional measurement systems are becoming more complex. It no longer suffices for a measurement system to be valid; it must also be legitimate and functional. Three conditions-validity, legitimacy, and functionality-have to be considered simultaneously for a performance measurement system to be fit for use. Each dimension shifts with changes in the environment. Performance measurement systems that do not take these shifts into account will eventually get out of sync with management ends. It is therefore necessary to continuously adapt measures and measurement practices to the changing requirements of systems and their environment.