Government at a Glance 2013
Government at a Glance 2013 provides readers with a dashboard of key indicators assembled with the goal of contributing to the analysis and international comparison of public sector performance. Indicators on government revenues, expenditures, and employment are provided alongside key output and outcome data in the sectors of education and health. Government at a Glance also includes indicators on key governance and public management issues, such as transparency in governance, regulatory governance, new ways in delivering public services and HRM and compensation practices in the public service. While measuring government performance has long been recognized as playing an important role in increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the public administration, following the economic crisis and fiscal tightening in many member countries, good indicators are needed more than ever to help governments make informed decisions regarding tough choices and help restore confidence in government institutions.
Uptake of online public services
Citizens and businesses increasingly prefer and use digital channels to interact with governments and access public services. Online channels can facilitate access to a wider range of users and provide greater convenience, while also reducing costs for all involved, including governments. While in general the adoption of online channels is growing, several kinds of gaps in the uptake remain in many OECD member countries, where usage of online services remains more limited. Governments must continue to work on reducing such disparities while still developing their online service supply.