Success Comes in Many Dimensions: The Critical Role of the Human Capital and Preparing for the Future in Every Organizational Scorecard

Our paper synopsizes our empirical research over the past twenty years on the components of success across the organization. While many articles detailing multi-dimensional models of success have been published, few of these articles have studied success across all structural levels–the project, the business unit and the corporate levels. While there are clearly some differences at the varying levels, some common themes have developed. Our framework covers a time spectrum from short-term measures (e.g., financial and efficiency measures) to long-term (e.g., investing for the future). This framework could provide a foundation for many organizations to develop success measures throughout its structural levels. We especially note the importance of the role of the human capital and the investment in creating future opportunities. Our research provides guidelines for management on each success dimension.