Public Management and Performance-Based Logistics in the U.S. Department of Defense

Authors

  • Ira Lewis

Abstract

A central concept in the evolution of public management has been an intentional blurring of the distinctions between the public and private sectors. In the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) initiative, launched in 2001, is intended to create a “level playing field” where in-house or contracted organizations are selected for logistics support of a given commodity or weapon system based on performance rather than the nature of the source. This article provides a preliminary discussion of PBL initiatives and assesses the extent to which they appear to be representative of a significant adoption of public management principles by DOD leaders. This review found that while individual DOD organizations have experienced successes and significant lessons learned with PBL, there are significant areas where policy direction remains contradictory and embryonic.

Author Biography

Ira Lewis

Ira Lewis is Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Graduate School of Business and Public Policy, Naval Postgraduate School.

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How to Cite

Lewis, I. (2014). Public Management and Performance-Based Logistics in the U.S. Department of Defense. International Public Management Review, 6(2), 116–127. Retrieved from https://ipmr.net/index.php/ipmr/article/view/171

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2005)

Section

Articles

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