Performance Information Use in Local Government: Monitoring Relationships with Emergency Medical Services Agencies

ABSTRACT

Evaluating service effectiveness and ensuring accountability of third-party public service providers is important in collaborative relationships. Emergency medical services (EMS), a function in many cases provided by community-based organizations with long-standing relationships, constitutes one such case. This article examines the central concern of performance information use by municipal officials as they engage in monitoring and decision-making regarding relationships with third-party EMS agencies. Findings indicate that information availability, length of the relationship, ease of negotiations, and municipal size all influence performance information use, suggesting that the palpable nature of these relationships and the comprehensiveness of the agreements are key in shaping attitudes about performance information use.

KEYWORDS:

• collaboration
• emergency medical services
• performance measurement

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander C. Henderson

Alexander C. Henderson is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Care and Public Administration at Long Island University, Post Campus. His current research examines frontline behavior in emergency medical services organizations, as well as broader inquiry into the structuring of EMS systems. He previously served as chief administrative officer, operational officer, director, and volunteer with several emergency services organizations in suburban Philadelphia.

Daniel E. Bromberg

Daniel E. Bromberg is an assistant professor of public administration at the University of New Hampshire. His research interests include collaborative governance, government contracting, e-government, and performance management.