This paper reports a study of performance management in practice in three tasks (Food safety, Meteorology and Prisons) across the three Scandinavian countries Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The paper examines how the system of performance management in Denmark, Norway and Sweden (Management-By-Objectives-And-Results) is designed and how the performance information is used, focusing on the formulation of goals and performance indicators, performance reporting and use of performance information.
Using variables derived from a structural-instrumental, a cultural-institutional, an environmental approach and a task-specific perspective, I analyze variations and similarities among countries and agencies in their development of a performance measurement system and the incorporation and use of performance information. Empirically the study shows that some patterns can be discerned but they also seem to be rather complex. Starting from this analysis I discuss, whether it is possible to identify a Nordic model of performance management? Whether we should distinguish between an East Nordic and a West Nordic model? Should we rather talk about a Danish model, a Swedish model and a Norwegian model, or are the differences within the countries to extensive to talk about a
specific country specific model?