New development: The paradox of outcomes-the more we measure, the less we understand

Toby Lowe*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

67 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The use of 'outcomes' as a concept to measure the effectiveness of social policy interventions is inherently flawed and creates unwelcome paradoxes. This article explains why, instead of improving the lives of those who receive support, a focus on outcome information distorts both the priorities and practice of organizations who deliver such support, resulting in poorer results for those most in need. It provides an important first stage towards the evolution of new ways of conceptualizing ways to create improvements in social policy delivery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)213-216
Number of pages4
JournalPublic Money and Management
Volume33
Issue number3
Early online date5 Apr 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2013

Keywords

  • outcomes
  • Payment by results
  • performance management

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