HIGH PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS & BUILDING BLOCKS
(V.1.)
1. High performing organisations are well led.
1.1 Leaders look outward and forwards to address future challenges and opportunities.
1.2 Leaders shape strategic thinking and drive policy debate.
1.3 Leadership is evident throughout the organisation.
1.4 Leaders take responsibility for culture.
1.5 Leaders drive business excellence.
1.6 Leaders collaborate to maximise delivery of effective services.
2. High performing organisations are built on clear values.
2.1 Practices, behaviours and relationships are consistent with the explicitly stated values and ethics as defined
by the Public Sector Act of 2009.
2.2 Organisational culture centres on performance excellence.
3. High performing organisations are strategic.
3.1 Strategic priorities and desired outcomes are evident in all aspects of the operation.
3.2 Strategic priorities are implemented in effective public policy.
3.3 Long-term challenges are anticipated.
3.4 Changes in the operating environment are responded to quickly.
4. High performing organisations are innovative and continually improving.
4.1 Innovation is supported and encouraged.
4.2 Business processes and work structures enable innovative thinking and an ongoing understanding of how
change works in the organisation.
5. High performing organisations use information and knowledge effectively.
5.1 Information and knowledge are aligned to strategic direction.
5.2 Information and knowledge are shared throughout the organisation.
6. High performing organisations engage their workforce and stakeholders.
6.1 Management systems reward and recognise high performance.
6.2 Management systems address low performance.
6.3 Employees needs are understood and responded to.
6.4 Employee capabilities are continually developed.
6.5 Stakeholders are included in planning and evaluation.
7. High performing organisations are customer and citizen focused.
7.1 Customer and citizen needs and views are understood.
7.2 Customer and citizen needs and views are integrated into organisational plans including service design and
delivery.
7.3 Customer service standards are rigorously observed.
8. High performing organisations are accountable.
8.1 An appropriate balance exists between risk and opportunity.
8.2 Decision-making is transparent.
8.3 A clear alignment of accountability regarding duties, priorities and direction flows through all levels of the
organisation.
8.4 Accountability to appropriate ministers is widely recognised and understood.
9. High performing organisations manage to the triple bottom line.
9.1 Budget priorities are aligned to the organisation’s core business and strategic direction.
9.2 Operations occur efficiently inside a clear budget framework.
9.3 Financial needs are forecasted to sustain level of services and infrastructure.
9.4 High quality outcomes of environmental sustainability and social equity are achieved within budget
frameworks.
10. High performing organisations focus on results.
10.1 Performance information is used extensively for decision-making.
10.2 Performance trends within the organisation are generally positive.
10.3 Public reporting is balanced, transparent and easy to understand.