What is the difference between outputs & outcomes?

There is a new focus in ISO/DIS 14001 on performance.

In particular, there is a focus on achieving the “intended outcomes” of an environmental management system.  The revised standard also has a new process orientation – with many new required processes instead of the procedures required in ISO 14001:2004

NOTE – a process is defined as “set of interrelated or interacting activities which transforms input into outputs.”

This raises the question –

What is the difference between an “output” and an “outcome”?

These two terms are in common use in quality management systems.  An “output” is the result of a process.  An “outcome” is the achievement to be obtained.

Put another way – an output is “what is produced”; an outcome is “why you care.”

A couple of examples –

For a training  program – Outputs of a training program may be “x workshops completed” or “y individuals trained”.  An outcome may be “x fewer eye injuries because workers wear appropriate eye protection when needed.”

For a highway construction project – Outputs could be “improved highway design” or “X number of highway miles completed.”  Outcomes, the difference made by these outputs, may be better traffic flow, shorter travel times and fewer accidents.  (This example is from a blog post on the Harvard Business Review website – It’s Not Just Semantics:  Managing Outcomes vs. Outputs.)

Understanding the difference between process outputs and management system outcomes is very important for maintaining an effective environmental management system.  The focus needs to be on continual improvement of outcomes – not necessarily improved outputs.

NOTE – Another great book for understanding the difference between outputs and outcomes is The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt.  It is one of my favorite books.  It provides a great explanation of why optimizing individual process outputs may not lead to the desired outcomes.