Self-assessments are really important for all business seeking to continually improve quality and innovate. You make a good point that the EFQM model is flexible and can be used in a myriad of different industries, which increases the models value. One quick point I would stress is the importance of investing in the enablers since that will have the largest impact on having positive results (Klazinga and Walburg, 2000). This makes perfect sense since leadership, people, policy & strategies, partnership & resources, and processes are fundamental areas of investment. In my experience it is also important to strike a balance as opposed to over investing in one enabler while neglecting another. For example investing heavily in people through training without investing in leadershi p can end up with less than positive results.

QUESTION: 1) In your opinion, why is self-assessment so important to improving quality and innovation compared to other forms of assessments?

2) If self-assessment is so powerful, how can it best be implemented in an organisation? What process can aid in the drawing up of quality self-assessments?