Performance Prism - Performance and Productivity Measures

Neely and Adams (2000) argue that in their recent research managers and academics highlight the need for a fresh perspective on performance measurement and that the perspective should focus on stakeholder satisfaction. What managers wish to ascertain is who are the most influential stakeholders and what do they want and need? They contend that once this question has been addressed, it is possible to turn their attention to strategy. The research undertaken by Neely and his associates has produced a catalogue structure which includes, the 3 dimensional performance prism. The catalogue is structured around the performance prism. The prism takes a stakeholder-centric view of performance measurement and reflects the need to not only measure stakeholder satisfaction but also stakeholder contribution to an organisation's wants and needs. See this figure and the figure on page 285. Neely describes the catalogue under the following headings:

• Stakeholder satisfaction: who are our stakeholders and what do they want and need?
• Strategies: what strategies do we have to put in place to satisfy the wants and needs of these key stakeholders?
• Processes: what critical processes do we require if we are to execute these strategies?
• Capabilities: what capabilities do we need to operate and enhance these processes?
• Stakeholder contributions: what contributions do we require from our stakeholders if we are to maintain and develop these capabilities?

Neely and Adams (2000) suggests that: 

... 90 per cent of managers fail to implement and deliver their organisation's strategy. Why? There are multiple reasons, but a key one is that strategies contain inherent assumptions about the drivers of improved business performance ... clearly if the assumptions are false, then the expected benefits will not be achieved.