ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the role of the central unit in establishing performance monitoring. It discusses if the introduction of performance monitoring on a full-scale basis is to be successful, it must be backed by a competent and active central unit. Furthermore, the central unit is assumed to have general responsibility to develop and implement the government-wide performance monitoring policies. The chapter explores the role of the central unit in three different countries, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Norway, and focuses on an analysis of documents as well as expert consultation. The strong political pressure in the United Kingdom that came with the introduction of management techniques, including performance monitoring, is reflected in the organizational location of the central unit. The chapter concludes the importance of the role of a central unit in implementing performance monitoring in a government.
