Institutional Performance Assessment: Systematic Review of Approaches, Metrics and Indicators

Abstract

The assessment of institutionality is pivotal in determining the robustness of social, political and economic frameworks. However, the heterogeneity of methodologies and the absence of a consensus on unified criteria impede the comparability and practical application of results. The extant literature has addressed this issue through normative and empirical measurements, with no consensus on the most appropriate indicators. This underscores the necessity for integrative methodologies that seamlessly amalgamate quantitative and qualitative data. The present research aims to identify the main measurement approaches and methodologies, analyse the relationship between different indicators, and evaluate their applicability in various contexts. The PRISMA 2020 methodology is employed, structured in four stages: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion, ensuring rigor, transparency, and replicability. The findings indicate that integrated methodological frameworks would improve the validity and reliability of measurements, while adapting approaches to different sectors would avoid reductionism that compromises their usefulness. Standardising processes and incorporating technologies can optimise the assessment of institutionality and its impact on governance and development. It is imperative to acknowledge that institutional measurement is an evolving field, necessitating flexible and adaptive approaches to respond to changes in assessment paradigms.