Performance Management at the National Level

Posted by nithi.vivatrat on February 24, 2009

Given my background in data warehousing and business intelligence, it would surprise none of you that I loved Kenneth Duberstein’s op-ed piece in today’s New York Times advocated a web-based reporting system of key performance indicators for the country.  The closing paragraph:

Great steps forward in American history occur at moments when our deeply held values are reaffirmed in the face of changing realities. Such a moment is at hand. We need a shared frame of reference that will enable us to practice collective accountability. If Congress acts soon, by the time President Obama delivers his first formal State of the Union address next year, Americans will be able to continually assess the state of the Union for themselves.

As a nation, we face complex problems where people legitimately have differing views on the best solutions.  But it would be nice if we could at least agree what the problem looked like and where we are now.  Such a system would be an important first step.