| MAIN MESSAGES : |
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| Linking Outcomes to Strategy |
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Moving toward an outcome approach is important and worth doing, and there is substantial evidence that it is possible. |
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An outcome approach requires strategic focus and should be directly connected to something that matters to the citizenry. |
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An outcome focus can provide a framework for an integrated and coherent approach to public management. |
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An outcome focus can represent a powerful tool to increase the credibility of political institutions. |
| Facilitating the Implementation of an Outcome Focus |
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A fundamental shift for the public sector, away from focusing on process or what one needs to do, to a focus on benefits. |
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A transition period of some form is essential, rather than imposing an major change across an entire government. Try pilots in selective areas first, and develop support and champions for later expansion. |
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Both top-down and bottom-up approaches are needed, involving both strong support at the top and middle-management levels. |
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Lack of sufficient capacity and expertise in results-oriented thinking and managing can represent a major hurdle. |
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The reform process should itself be subject to regular review, evaluation, and revision. |
| Monitoring, Evaluating, and Reporting on Outcomes |
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Without good information on what has happened, a focus on results is impossible |
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Evaluation is required to assess the continuing relevance and appropriateness of strategies and programs, and to inform about all outcomes, including unintended consequences. |
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Outcome focus needs to take into account the entire results chain, including intermediate-level outcomes. |
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Transparency is important to provide for the legitimacy and credibility of the outcome approach and of information and reports. |
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To enhance credibility, involve independent bodies from outside government in external analysis or to corroborate outcome information. |
| Using Outcome Information |
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Perhaps the most fundamental use and benefit of an outcome focus is the shifting in thinking and the orientation of public service from a primary preoccupation on inputs and activities, to a focus on benefits and results. |
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Considerations about use of outcomes information need to start at the beginning of the process and guide all aspects of the outcome approach. |
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An important use of outcome information is to provide for more rationality to the resource allocation process so that funds are allocated where they are most likely to maximize the achievement of outcomes. |
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