Autonomy - self assessment of behavioural factors

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Autonomy

Describes the level of ownership and accountability for results.

Context

Describe the context in which people work.

Question: What kind of direction do you receive, to achieve expected results?

SFIA Level	Statement
1	Works under close direction.
2	Works under routine direction.
3	Works under general direction.
4	Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability.
5	Works under broad direction.

Decision making

Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information and assessing alternative resolutions. Using a step-by-step decision-making process can help you make more deliberate, thoughtful decisions by organizing relevant information and defining alternatives.

This behavioural factor describes and quantifies:

The amount of discretion e.g., little, limited, substantial and
The tasks they apply to e.g., attending to enquiries, resolving issues and
The scope and remit of decision making of these decisions e.g., to own assignments or broader deliverables.

Question: How would you characterise the scope of your decision making in your current role? In terms of the amount of discretion you have (when you are expected to seek guidance), the activities it applies to and extent of impact.

SFIA Level	Statement
1	Uses little discretion in attending to enquiries. Is expected to seek guidance in unexpected situations.
2	Uses limited discretion in resolving issues or enquiries. Determines when to seek guidance in unexpected situations.
3	Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues related to own assignments. Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level.
4	Uses substantial discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments as they relate to the deliverable/scope of work. Escalates when issues fall outside their framework of accountability.

Delegation

Delegation is commonly defined as the shifting of authority and responsibility for particular functions, tasks or decisions from one person (usually a leader or manager) to another whether being delegated to or delegating work.

This behavioural factor describes and quantifies:

The personal latitude/span of control/remit as a recipient and/or delegator of work e.g., Receives specific direction, substantial personal responsibility, self-initiated.
The scope of delegation of these decisions e.g., to own assignments or broader deliverables, significant area of work, including technical, financial and fully accountable for actions taken and decisions made.

Question:
- Is work delegated to you and/or do you delegate work to others?
- If you delegate work to others what is the organisational scope of impact?

SFIA Level	Statement
3	Receives specific direction, accepts guidance and has work reviewed at agreed milestones.
4	Exercises substantial personal responsibility and autonomy.
5	Work is often self-initiated. Is fully responsible for meeting allocated technical and/or group objectives.
6	Has defined authority and accountability for actions and decisions within a significant area of work, including technical, financial and quality aspects.
7	Is fully accountable for actions taken and decisions made, both by self and others to whom responsibilities have been assigned.

Planning

The ability to manage self and/or others, and resources including time and surrounding circumstances with foresight and capacity to think ahead to reach a specific goal.

This behavioural factor describes and quantifies:

The Planning Activities e.g., short time horizons, to deadlines related to own work, project objectives.
Scope of impact e.g., own work, others work, budgets, organisational objectives

Question: What planning do you perform to complete your work?

SFIA Level	Statement
2	Plans own work within short time horizons.
3	Plans and monitors own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines.
4	Plans, schedules and monitors work to meet given objectives and processes to time and quality targets.
5	Analyses, designs, plans, executes and evaluates work to time, cost and quality targets. Establishes milestones and has a significant role in the assignment of tasks and/or responsibilities.
6	Establishes organisational objectives and assigns responsibilities.
7	At the highest organisational level, has authority over all aspects of a significant area of work, including policy formation and application.