Levels of Recognition

Five Levels of Recognition

Introductory Tier – Pathway to Performance Excellence – This tier is for organizations that have just made the decision to begin their journey toward Performance Excellence using the Baldrige Framework for Performance Excellence.  Application at this tier requires completion and submittal of the five-page Organizational Profile.  Also included should be an organizational chart and a glossary of terms, which are not a part of the page count.

Tier 1 – Commitment to Performance Excellence – This tier is for organizations that have made a serious commitment to use and implement performance excellence concepts and principles.  Application at this tier requires a description of the Organizational Profile and a self-assessment of how the organization is applying the seven categories of the Alabama Performance Excellence Award Criteria (Baldrige Criteria).  Use up to one page per category with the exception of category 7 where you can use one page per item for a total of 11 pages plus the Organizational Profile.  Include an organizational chart and a glossary of terms, which are not a part of the page count. Applicants at this tier have the option of receiving a site visit but they must indicate they want one on their application and agree to pay the site visit expenses.

Recognition is provided at this tier to organizations that have begun to deploy systematic management and improvement processes within at least some parts of their organization.  Measurable improvements have occurred as a consequence of these efforts.  Organizations recognized at this tier will receive a bronze award. 

Tier 2 – Progress Toward Performance Excellence – This tier is for organizations that have demonstrated sustained commitment to and application of performance excellence principles and practices.  They have made progress in building sound and notable systematic processes that have improved results in key portions of the organization.  Application at this tier requires a description of the Organizational Profile and a self-assessment of how the organization is applying the seven categories and 17 items of the Alabama Performance Excellence Award Criteria (Baldrige Criteria).  You are allowed 22 pages – one page per item with the exception of category 7 where you have two pages per item).  Include an organizational chart and glossary of terms, which are not a part of the page count.  Applicants at this level receive a site visit.

Recognition is provided to organizations that have made significant progress in demonstrating effective systematic approaches that are deployed across much of the organization.  Good performance levels and/or improvements in results are evident in much of the organization. Organizations recognized at this tier will receive a silver award.

Tier 3 – Alabama Performance Excellence Award – This highest tier of recognition is presented to organizations that have demonstrated through their practices and achievements sustained performance excellence.  Application at this tier requires a description of the Organizational Profile and a self-assessment (maximum of 50 pages) of how the organization is applying the seven categories and 17 items of the Alabama Performance Excellence Award Criteria (Baldrige Criteria).  All categories, items and areas must be addressed.  Results achieved must be presented in terms of performance levels, trends, and comparative data.  Include an organizational chart and glossary of terms, which are not a part of the page count.  All applicants at this level receive a site visit.

Recognition is provided to outstanding organizations in the state of Alabama who can serve as role models of performance excellence.  Organizations recognized at this highest tier have demonstrated leadership in their fields, with widespread improvement and superior results clearly evident.  They continue to improve and build upon their high performance. Organizations recognized at this tier will receive a crystal award with gold etching.

Criteria for Performance Excellence

The Award is based upon the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (To obtain a copy of the criteria go to www.nist.gov/baldrige or contact Linda Vincent 205-799-7917 or lvincent@alabamaexcellence.org.)  In responding to these criteria, each Award applicant is expected to provide information and data on the organization’s key processes and results. Information and data submitted must be adequate to demonstrate that the applicant’s approaches are effective and yield desired outcomes.

The Award Criteria are designed not only to serve as a reliable basis for making Awards but also to permit a diagnosis of any organization’s overall performance management system.  The Criteria are used by organizations of all kinds for self-assessment, planning, training, and other purposes.