(Not) Measuring the Performance of Environmental Conflict Resolution: Lessons from U.S. State Programs

This research examines the use of performance measurement in environmental conflict resolution (ECR) programs in United States state-level programs. Data are drawn from a survey of state administrators of ECR programs. Findings indicate that the use of performance measurement by state programs is scarce as only six states reported measuring the performance of their ECR program. Study results show many reasons for this finding: lack of staff, lack of time, lack of funding, lack of knowledge concerning how to do performance measurement, lack of knowledge as to how to measure the success of ECR, lack of cost information about alternatives to ECR, too many outside factors intervening in ECR efforts, and not all states have ECR programs. Research findings indicate lessons learned from the states that have attempted measuring the performance of their ECR programs: good management of process, personalize the program, marshall all resources, keep sight of the big picture, and be prepared for the political side of performance measurement.