The Australian School of Business is leading research into why some companies outperform the rest of the pack. It's now hunting for firms to take part, and gain an insight into just why they are so good.

High performing companies will be offered an insight into how they have managed to outsmart the competition as part of a project by the Australian School of Business (ASB) and the Society for Knowledge Economics (SKE).

Professor Alec Cameron, Dean of the Australian School of Business, is co-chairing the research committee. He said As Australia's leading business school, I am delighted to see we are leading the research into these high performing companies. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests those businesses that are highly effective, also excel at innovation, and achieve high levels of employee engagement.

He adds that The Australian School of Business will use the research within our programs to enhance our relevance to the corporate world, where there is a need for the innovation these companies are highlighting.

It will give firms an indication of their accomplishments - and they won't have to pay for it. The research covers leadership, culture, and management practices. It will then be used to develop recommendations for government policy, professional associations and education curriculums.

A second stage of the project will involve independent consultants and researchers from the Australian School of Business working with the company to boost performance even further, in return for a nominal fee. The Australian School of Business will then help the company over 12 months, side by side with other businesses, to implement strategies to increase the effectiveness of the firm.

The aim of the project is to encourage innovation in the workplace. It is a key element of the Federal Government's Workplace of the Future agenda. This was the subject of a forum hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, in July 2009.

By getting employees to engage in the process, it will help companies understand why they are outperforming, thereby lifting innovation and productivity in the workplace, for the benefit of all Australian companies.

By working with us you get insights into your performance in a way that's not available by other means, says Dr Christina Boedker, from Accounting at the Australian School of Business. She is leading a cross-disciplinary research team from UNSW, and adds that: In addition to helping you understand the role of management control systems in lifting innovation and productivity in your organisation, the research will be used to inform the art and practice of business management and measurement in Australia.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) has funded the one million dollar cost of the two-year project.

The Australian School of Business is now on the lookout for participants from the service industry who should contact the Society of Knowledge Economics via the website www.ske.org.au/highperfromance.

For further information please contact the project manager Mark Runnalls on +61 2 9385 7514 or mark.runnalls@ske.org.au or alternately Dr Chistina Boedker on +61 2 9385 5839 or C.Boedker@unsw.edu.au.

Source: UNSW website