Abstract: Performance management, born in governance practice, has been initially employed to assist decision-making, improve governance, and enhance the role of cadres. However, in practice, cadres are trapped in “red-taped” performance indicators and fall into the performance paradox of “being governed by performance”. In this context, it is necessary to reflect on the value of the “Occam's Razor” in performance management. The article is based on the analysis of Guangxi experience of government performance management in motivating cadres. It is found that current measures adopted, such as simplifying the procedure, identifying accurate targets, and focusing the performance, are in line with minimalist governance. There, across China, in general have been cumbersome and unscientific evaluation systems, unclear and multi-directional incentives, and overloaded and imperfect evaluation systems, complex and inflexible methods and the like, challenges that renders Guangxi experience, i.e. minimalist governance, very essential to motivate cadres to take on responsibilities. To be more specific, the article finds, we should adopt a streamlined indicator system, strengthen positive incentives, improve management efficiency, and optimize evaluation methods.

Key words: minimalist governance, government performance management, cadres take on responsibilities, positive motivation