Council looking at new ways to evaluate PCUSA programs
By Paula R. Kincaid, The Layman Online, March 31, 2005
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The General Assembly Council heard a report Thursday from a work group studying the process used to evaluate denominational programs.
Originally listed on the agenda as the “Program evaluation work group,” chair Karen E. Dimon asked GAC members to mark that out. “In our process and in our conversations that term is no longer helpful,” said Dimon. “We are called to grow in all ways so we are dropping that name for the time being.” Instead, Dimon asked members to write in the new name “Performance Excellence at all levels.”
In three meetings, the work group conducted internal assessments that included meetings with the Staff Leadership Team, individuals on that team, the research and audit staff and the mission work plan core team. The group has also had discussions with other denominations and looked at others ways of evaluating work. The group is considering adapting the Baldridge National Quality Program for use in the PCUSA, saying it has the most potential.
Yong J. Lee gave a brief overview of the Baldridge program. His presentation began with a quote from Joe Paterno, “You either get better, or you get worse.” “There is no such thing as keeping the status quo,” said Lee, adding that the work group was interested in continuous improvement. “Just evaluating our results really shortchanges ourselves.” He said the council needs to look at two things, “Why are we at the level we are now, and what we should do to make ourselves better.” “Just looking at results alone doesn’t give you an answer,” he said.
The Baldridge criteria includes seven categories and point values. They are:
1. Leadership1202. Strategic planning853. Customer and market focus854. Measurement analysis and knowledge management905. Human resources focus856. Process management857. Business result 450Total points1,000
“Out of a total 1,000 points, you can see the result is close to half,” said Lee. “We feel this model will indeed give us … the tools that we need to help ourselves to continuously improve.”
Dimon said the work group will continue their work in the following ways:
1. Adapt Baldridge method as GAC tool for performance excellence at all levels
2. Design a plan for implementation
3. Recommend education strategy to accompany implementation
4. Seek funding for research to help us do this work