In May 2001, Cardinia Shire Council engaged Quantum Management International to survey its staff and assess organisational performance and effectiveness against the Australian Quality Council’s Quality Management Framework.
Quantum Management is an independent, international survey practice whose clients include over 25 Australian Local Governments. With such an extensive specialised client base, Quantum is able to provide effective benchmarking within the Australian context.
There were several values that rated significantly higher relative to other Councils. These included trust in management; honesty in the way people work; staff sharing information; sharing common goals; flexibility in the way people work; teamwork; valuing employees; results focus and ratepayer focus.
Quantum’s Managing Partner, Des Tubridy stated that, ‘Cardinia’s high rating relative to the other 25 Councils was a direct reflection of the quality of their leadership.’
“The high cultural ratings were indicative of a very successfully run organisation,” he said.
Factors that related well above the municipal government sector included achievementorientation; organisational image; policy and planning; staff training; managing diversity; continuous improvement; customer services and information and analysis.
“These are the major strengths at Cardinia,” said Des Tubridy. “It is rare to find so many factors ahead of the market in one organisation.”
The Staff Survey results were fed back to all managers and staff in group sessions, and action plans were formulated to achieve further improvements over the next twelve months.
Another survey will be conducted in 2002 to monitor changes to the ‘Cardinia Way’ and to continue monitoring and benchmarking the effectiveness factors of the Quality Council framework.
