The importance of the EFQM Excellence Model in a sustainable society

Last week I mentioned that it is time for Third Generation Quality Management (3GQM). It is time for a method that makes a significant contribution to a more sustainable society. It is time for EFQM - The Next Level.

Buzzword

'Sustainability' is a buzzword that everyone has an opinion about. But what is sustainability anyway? Anyone who consults the Glossary of the EFQM Model 2013 brochure will be disappointed: sustainability is not even in there...

But is it really a problem if sustainability plays a limited role? That depends on your ambition. The vision of EFQM - 'A world striving for sustainable excellence' - indicates a clear desire to be recognized as a Global Role Model. This is supported by one of the core values: ‘We develop partnerships that generate mutual benefits for the community.’

Focus and vision

Sustainable excellence goes beyond the pursuit of business excellence. This requires more than an 'inside-out' perspective on the quality of the internal organization. Our global economy calls for a broad view on the world and to have a clear idea of the organization, however small, how to fulfil its role in it. In this context it is important for the EFQM Model 2016 that we have a discussion about:

• What is the role of the EFQM Excellence Model in a sustainable society?

• What is the ambition of the EFQM community? 

• What definitions will we use in this context?

Clear compass

Clear principles make the targets transparent. The four sustainability principles of The Natural Step Framework are useful guidelines towards a more sustainable way of thinking and doing, and thus towards a sustainable society. These scientifically based sustainability principles provide a compass which inspires more and more organizations.

Combining principles & criteria

The sustainability principles are easy to combine with the EFQM Excellence Model criteria. In first instance, of course, with the criterion Leadership and the Vision of the organization. The strength of the EFQM Excellence Model to help organizations achieve their strategy in combination with a vision in which the organization defines her role in a sustainable society brings Third Generation Quality Management very close to home! 

New website

Like the EFQM Model Improve4all continues to develop. Next week the new website will go live - including this blog. It is time for change. It's time for Improve4all - The Next Level. You have been warned!