
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
9
Q: How do the seven categories work together
as a system?
A: By denition, a system is a series of processes
that are followed sequentially to achieve a desired
result. Each of the major components of the system
has inputs, processes, outputs of results, and, ideally,
feedback loops. The gure on the inside front cover
shows how the Baldrige criteria work as a system.
In the Baldrige criteria as a system, customers’
and market wants and needs are the inputs (Item
3.1). On the basis of that input, the leadership sets
the direction of the organization, and denes its
mission, vision, values, products and/or services
(Catego