ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how policymaking, budgeting, performance management, and program evaluation are critical to managing public agencies. It describes the Human Resources (HR) manager's role in supporting these processes. The chapter explores the difficulties of defining and managing organizational performance in contemporary public service delivery options such as contracting and privatization, public–private partnerships, and organizational networks. It shows that how to enhance the role of public Human Resource Management (HRM) management by using data-driven performance management and program evaluation to resolve issues of productivity and privatization. Public HR managers play a similar staff role in the budget process. Public HR managers also play a critical role in productivity improvement by monitoring the efficiency or effectiveness of program outputs compared with personnel costs, or departmental compliance with legal requirements. Enthusiasm for productivity improvement in government opens opportunities for an expanded role for the HR manager.
