Résumé : Performance management has been called the defining contemporary challenge facing public organizations. While we cannot pretend to elucidate all its mysteries, we hope to provide solid evidence for a better comprehension of the social underpinnings of performance management. We believe that these articles contribute to the existing literature, offer new perspectives on the issues, and provide a coherent overview of the dynamics that surround performance information in public organizations. It has long been known in public administration that performance management was there to stay, warts and all, because its potential was just too great to ignore. Hopeful, this research will provide insights for managers on how to strive for effective performance management in their organizations.