Enhancing Public Sector Performance: A Systematic Review of the Common Assessment Framework

This paper investigates the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), a total quality management (TQM) model specifically developed for the public sector. Despite its widespread adoption at both national and European levels, there is a notable lack of detailed examination of CAF's effectiveness in academic discourse. This study aims to bridge this gap by systematically reviewing the scientific literature on CAF and highlighting the broader implications for total quality management in the public sector. European cross-sector experiences emphasize the importance of comprehensive organizational performance assessments, collaborative development and implementation of improvement initiatives, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, benchmarking, and bench learning. Additionally, this study underscores the necessity for rigorous investigation into the role of national governments in promoting quality management and its potential seamless integration into public sector operations. By synthesizing insights from both CAF practitioners and the academic community, this research provides a robust framework for enhancing public sector total quality management and achieving excellence.