Public management is a field that demands a high level of accountability, transparency and effectiveness. One of the crucial aspects to guarantee these characteristics is control and evaluation, which are fundamental tools for the efficient management of public resources and for the provision of quality services to the population.
Control in Public Management
Control in public management can be understood as a set of mechanisms to ensure that the activities carried out are in accordance with the established plans and objectives. Control is essential to detect deviations, irregularities and inefficiencies, allowing the adoption of corrective measures in a timely manner.
There are different types of control in public management, including internal control, carried out by the bodies and entities themselves; and external control, exercised by independent institutions such as the Courts of Auditors. In addition, social control, exercised by citizens and civil society, is an increasingly important element in contemporary public management.
Assessment in Public Management
Evaluation in public management, on the other hand, is a process that aims to measure the performance of public policies, programs and projects. The evaluation makes it possible to identify whether the expected results are being achieved and whether resources are being used efficiently and effectively.
Evaluation can be carried out at different stages of the public policy cycle, including ex-ante evaluation, which is carried out before the implementation of a policy; the ongoing assessment, which takes place during implementation; and the ex-post evaluation, which is carried out after the conclusion of the policy.
Assessment in public management is not only a tool for making informed decisions, but also an instrument for accountability and continuous management improvement.
Conclusion
In short, control and evaluation are fundamental elements in public management, contributing to the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of public administration. Through monitoring and evaluation, it is possible to ensure that public resources are used appropriately and that public services meet citizens' needs and expectations.
