Introduction or preface

Performance has aroused considerable interest both nationally and internationally. Only with the 150/2009 Legislative Decree the term performance was introduced in the practice of the Italian public administrations (PA). These institutions are used to operating in a context where the performance measures have primarily focused on inputs rather than on results and impacts; moreover, managerial processes follow a mere compliance logic. The introduction of measurement systems and performance includes elements of absolute novelty in particular with regard to the effectiveness of the measurement and to the impact of public actions on the community. The research aims to assess the extent to which municipalities have started using the system of performance measurement and evaluation and, in particular, what the distribution of "Piano della Performance 2011-2013". This is to determine the Italian municipalities susceptibility regarding the performance management, make a first reflection on good practices and problems that emerged.