The aim of this study is to survey the idea of balanced scorecard on the basis of the tradition of idea studies from new institutionalism by following balanced scorecard as an idea from its entry in Landstinget i Östergötland down to Närsjukvården i östra Östergötland.

In order to reach this aim the following questions are to be answered: How has the idea of balanced scorecard spread through Landstinget i Östergötland? and How has the idea of balanced scorecard been translated in Landstinget i Östergötland?

The method I have chosen for the study is a qualitative method. I’ve interviewed seven persons in the study and therefore the material consists of the answers from the interviews.

The findings of the study shows that balanced scorecard has spread from the bottom and up through the organization and that balanced scorecard has been translated into a model more suitable for Landstinget i Östergötland. Actors in the translation process are mainly managerial bodies and politicians.