Performance Measurement in Social Care Services for Older People

Taking into account the current social and economic environment, managers of social organizations are under a constant pressure to get results and to optimize costs with an efficient allocation of resources. Performance management allows measuring the results of public and private organizations which provide social care for the elderly. The potential of social services to respond to current challenges is linked not only to financial resources, but also to the ability of social managers to develop methods, techniques and innovative practices. Since innovation requires change, the providers should promote management practices and structures that favour the expression of new ideas. The article presents the results of a mixed-type research methodology based on qualitative and quantitative methods, such as the in-depth semi-structured interview, focus-group, and questionnaire with public policymakers, as well as with private and public providers of social services for older people. Research was conducted during October – November 2014 and the instruments were developed by the team members. The aim of the research has been to find out the importance of performance and performance measurement among public and private managers of social services for older people, and also from the perspective of policymakers. Conclusions reveal that the managers of social services for elderly should be aware that measurement alone is not sufficient, as long as the information obtained is not used in other decision-making processes like: strategic planning, quality management, budgeting activities, increased productivity. The findings have implications for practitioners, researchers and policymakers.