Performance measurement is only one way of managing performance

Purpose – Aims to introduce to a symposium, a set of linked papers, which illustrate the reality that, when it comes to boosting productivity, performance management is a broader and more meaningful concept than simple performance measurement. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a brief review of the issues involved in using performance measurement in general and balanced scorecard (BS) in particular. Findings – Performance management can take many forms from dealing with issues internal to the organization to catering to stakeholders or handling issues in its environment. Performance management involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques and paying due attention to the human (behavioral) side of the enterprise. Originality/value – The article identifies performance measurement as a possible sub‐system of performance management. The article suggests that resorting to performance management is in fact a return to the basic concept of management, which assumes that there is a need to do something in order to assure that the use of resources results in the attainment of desired goals.