Multi-goal interactions and government task performance in China under goal conflict, synergy and tradeoff

Few studies have explored the impact of multi-goal interactions on task performance in public organizations. In this study, we explore the empirical associations between multi-goal interactions—goal synergy, conflict, and trade-off— and government task performance. Quantitative analysis of CO 2 emissions, economic and environmental targets, and several pilot projects in 281 Chinese cities from 2000 to 2017 show that: (1) the relationship between low-carbon city pilot and CO 2 emission reduction suggests that low-carbon city pilots synergize with mandatory PM 2.5 targets in reducing CO 2 emissions, yet comparable synergies do not arise for smart city and innovative city pilots; (2) low-carbon pilots are less effective in reducing CO 2 emissions in cities facing greater GDP growth pressure; and (3) when environmental performance is considered in the cadre evaluation system, governments tend to moderate the constraint of GDP growth pressure on environment performance to some extent by constraining GDP growth target aspiration level. This study offers evidence that may assist decision-makers in systematically thinking about goal interactions to minimize negative interactions and enhance positive ones.