Review of the Australian Business Excellence Framework: A comparison of national strategies for designing, administering and promoting Business Excellence Frameworks

Abstract

This paper shares findings from a major study focusing on how Business Excellence Frameworks (BEFs) are designed, reviewed, promoted and deployed within and across nations. This paper presents a general overview of the study. The project was commissioned and funded by SAI Global, the present custodians of the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF), with the objectives of enhancing the ABEF and increasing the use of the framework within Australia. The methodology consisted of a literature review, a series of focus groups, surveys and key informant interviews, and involved input from 16 countries. This paper focuses on: (1) the design and validity of frameworks such as the ABEF; and (2) how a BEF custodian such as SAI Global creates awareness of the framework, assists organisations in its deployment, and recognises and rewards organisations that achieve excellence as assessed against its criteria. Although focusing upon the Australian award and context, the findings draw upon a range of international sources and hence are of relevance to all BEF custodians. The findings from the project are expected to inform national Business Excellence strategies and will be of interest to all organisations that use BEFs to improve their performance.