By Rodney Mcadam and Timothy WalkerThis paper examines the use of Balanced Scorecards as an approach to implementing Best Value in UK local government. It critically evaluates approaches to implementing Best Value so that local government can determine how to achieve the service performance levels laid down in the framework. The paper describes an exploratory multiple case research study followed by participant-observer research on Balanced Scorecard development in a Best Value context. The findings show that the Balanced Scorecard can play a key role in Best Value implementation. Moreover it is also useful in linking other improvement initiatives. The audit functions of the Business Excellence Model go some way to providing the necessary organizational and environmental information.

Public Administration Volume 81: Issue 4. Print ISSN: 0033-3298. Online ISSN: 1467-9299.

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