Benchmarking is the main thing the award offers. Once companies get involved, they keep going. Hertz's long-term goals for the award include expanding into nonprofit and government sectors, as well as trade associations. He also wants to expand the award program's research and outreach capabilities to include case studies, primers, statistical correlation and research resources. We need to make it relevant to the community it serves.
Hertz cites globalization and innovations in knowledge management as future priorities.
If its first decade offers any indication, the Baldrige Award's future will prove both interesting and controversial. It also holds the promise of continued process and quality improvement for businesses throughout the United States. While questions may arise concerning the award's real value, its unique self-assessment process continues to command respect among industries nationwide. About the author Elizabeth R. Larson is Quality Digest's news editor. First, you'll need a copy of the criteria.