Download This PaperNational Outcomes Measurement Research Agenda Working Paper No. 4: An Organisational Outcomes Framework
Gilchrist, D. J., Outcomes: Research into Practice: Working Paper No.4, A report for Grant Thornton Australia, Melbourne, Australia, 2018
20 Pages Posted: 30 Apr 2020
Date Written: 2018
Abstract
Grant Thornton Australia and the University of Western Australia are jointly investing in a three-year research program designed to build the capacity of Not-for-profits in the area of outcomes specification, measurement and reporting, and to provide practical and effective tools to assist them respond to increasing demand for outcomes-based practices. The primary focus is on Not-for-profit organisations providing human services.
This is the final paper in a series of four exploring the topic, as detailed in Appendix 1. Based on the research undertaken in Parts 1 to 3, we have developed a decision-making framework that provides a practical, step-by-step process designed to assist readers to answer the following questions:
1. Should we report outcomes — what is the cost/benefit decision we need to make?
2. Where do outcomes sit in the organisational reporting structure?
3. How do we identify outcome indicators?
Figure 1 was presented in Working Paper No. 3. It shows the practical and objective place of outcomes reporting in the broader operations of the organisation. As can be seen, we suggest that there are two basic drivers of activities for a human services organisation — “mission” (for which it receives special tax status and community supports) and “utility” (constituting the practical activities any organisation needs to undertake in order to be sustainable, effective and efficient. The achievement of mission should be the overriding consideration of those charged with governance. However, pragmatic considerations should inform decision making, including in relation to outcomes reporting.
Keywords: Outcomes Measurement, Outcomes Decision Making, Outcomes Reporting, Not-for-Profit, Charities
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