For example: the output of a project might be a new process for responding to student queries. The outcomes of that project may be shorter waiting times and increased student satisfaction. There may be many different outputs which could result in a particular outcome.
In many cases, we should be aiming to manage by outcomes. Just because a certain output has been achieved, doesn’t mean it will have the outcome that we want. Managing by outcomes allows staff to decide how to achieve those outcomes; they decide on the outputs, and the steps necessary to reach them.
However, sometimes outcomes can be difficult to measure, or will take a long time to become measurable – although we should always seek to measure and evaluate outcomes.
Sometimes, for operational reasons (because outputs are already very clearly defined), managing by outcomes is not practical.
Managers, teams, and individuals should agree how they will manage and be managed.
Because managers and teams will not have as much face-to-face time in the hybrid working model, managing by outputs/outcomes makes more sense. It allows individuals the independence to decide how they will carry out their work, and avoids ‘micro-management’ of the entire process.
Managing in this way needs trust and confidence in the staff member’s ability to achieve the agreed output or outcome.
Being managed in this way can feel like a sharp contrast from being managed more closely through the process. It can feel like the manager has lost interest in the work that needs to be done. Clear communication is necessary to explain that a change in approach is taking place, and what the benefits are.
This approach doesn’t mean that the manager can’t or shouldn’t have any input into how outcomes/outputs are reached. For example, there maybe University processes that need to be considered, or suggestions from stakeholders. This is something that the manager and staff member might want to discuss and agree on, with the staff member taking the lead in that discussion.
You may choose to discuss outcome- or output-based objectives in the context of SMART objectives: