Samenvatting

This article describes our knowledge on the performance of ZBOs (a type of quangos), based on annual reports and official evaluations. We find that evaluations are not done very often even though they are required by law. The content and quality of evaluation reports do not always facilitate the drawing of clear conclusions. Evaluations and annual reports depict a modestly positive picture of ZBO performance, and a negative image of the relationship between ZBOs and their parent departments. Evaluation reports are only occasionally used in political debates and decision making on ZBOs. That raises the question of why politicians have so little interest in ZBO performance and its evaluations, all the more so because expectations regarding ZBO performance were very high at the time when these organizations were established.