Chapter 03 · Reporting & strategyStrategy, Targets & Performance Management
Maturity model
Definition
A maturity model is a framework for assessing how developed a process, capability or management system is across defined stages.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Maturity model” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Maturity model should be read as a strategy and performance-management term. Its meaning depends on the objective, boundary, baseline, owner, timeframe and evidence used to assess progress.
In practice, users should connect maturity model to a specific decision, metric, plan or governance process. That keeps the term concrete enough to guide action and review.
Why it matters
Maturity model matters because strategy language can shape priorities, budgets, accountability and external claims. Clear wording helps readers see whether the term describes intent, action, measurement or demonstrated performance.
Common misconception
A common error is to use Maturity model as a label for ambition without showing the scope, metric, owner or review process. That can make progress appear more settled than it is.
Review questions
What objective or decision does the term support? Who owns it? What boundary, metric, evidence and timeframe would let a reviewer judge whether it is working?
How it is used
Boards, executives, reporting teams, auditors and stakeholders use “Maturity model” in strategy, target-setting, sustainability reporting, performance reviews and external communications. In each case, the user should state the reporting framework, organisational boundary, baseline, timeframe, metric and governance process; otherwise, the same term may be applied to materially different situations.
In this context, it refers to a framework for assessing how developed a process, capability or management system is across defined stages.