Introduction to Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) for the Community Action Network: Version 5.1 - 2020

Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) is a performance management and continuous improvement system based on federal legislation and guidance related to the Community Action primary funding source: The Community Service Block Grant (CSBG). It is the performance management system adopted by representatives of all levels of the CSBG network over the past 30 years. In Introduction to Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) for the Community Action Network, we use two management methodologies to support the principles and practices for implementation of ROMA: The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization from the Leader to Leader Institute founded by Peter Drucker and the Seven Key Questions from Reginald K. Carter’s, The Accountable Agency. From this foundation, we build detailed information about the use of Mission Statements, National and Local Theories of Change, and the five points on the ROMA Cycle. The connection between ROMA and the Community Action Organizational Standards is made, specifically in the types of data, and data collection and analysis to impact continuous quality improvement, and preparation of the Community Needs Assessment, Agency-Wide Strategic Plans and Community Action Plans. Instructions for the calculation and use of performance success rates for customers (Indicators) and for agencies (Targeting Ability) are included. ROMA tools – Outcome Scales and Matrices, and the Logic Model – are presented and use of these tools is demonstrated. The “Next Steps” closing segment will help participants consider what they need to do to assure implementation of the full ROMA Cycle.