This book explains the basic concepts of the performance management, including the achievement of government goals, management capacity, administrative efficiency and policy effects. Taking Hangzhou, one of the largest cities in China, as an example, the book offers readers a new dimension through which the government can be understood and reformed—performance. Performance management has become an important component of public administration in China, and its use is beneficial in evaluating performance and social benefit. It also incentivizes civil servants to become more motivated and innovative, prevents the development of a bureaucratic atmosphere and facilitates communication between the public sector and the people.

The book first introduces the concept of the performance management, providing a detailed description of its history, basic theories and its development. It then discusses the evolution of the system (from objective-based responsibility system evaluation to “vote for excellence”), its three basic areas (performance management on the national, local and municipal levels) and its key components: openness, democracy, accountability and performance. This book allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of government performance management in China and its contribution to the modernization of state governance and political legitimacy.