Needs for change and adjusting to them in the management of statistical systems

Issue title: Evolution of National Statistical Systems

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Jeskanen-Sundström, Heli

Affiliations: Director General, Statistics Finland. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The operating environments of statistical institutes and the information needs of the users of statistics change fast. These produce major challenges to the management of statistical institutes: they must be able to continuously renew their activities, production and services to meet the changing needs. This paper discusses pressures for change and management challenges, as well describes instruments for developing strategic management and strategic agility. Statistical institutes' readiness for change can be improved through adoption of the tools of modern management that have been tried and tested in the private sector. Of these, closer looks are taken at the EFQM Excellence Model as a development tool for an organisation and its management, and the Balance Scorecard framework as a strategic steering instrument. Both of these are complemented by systematic development of project work and processes, which are discussed at the end of the paper.

Journal: Statistical Journal of the IAOS, vol. 24, no. 1-2, pp. 85-91, 2007