Rational and ritualistic use of key performance indicators in hybrid organizations

This paper shows how and why a mandated (statutory) set of network key performance indicators (KPIs) was used by network actors, distinguishing between rational and ritualistic use. The authors carried out an exploratory case study on a representative example of hybrid organizations: a mandated public network for local public transport. Results highlight that mandated network KPIs have multiple and divergent uses, from a minimal rational use to a more common ritualistic and decoupled use.