Investigator(s)
| WHO Technical Officer |
Aathirayan Sivanantharajaha WHO SEARO Aathirayan Sivanantharajaha 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Aathirayan Sivanantharajah WHO SEARO Aathirayan Sivanantharajah
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Thushara Anuruddhe Ranasinghe WHO SEARO Thushara Anuruddhe Ranasinghe
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Purohit Vimlesh WHO SEARO Purohit Vimlesh
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Results-Based Management in WHO South-East Asia Region |
| Public title | Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Results-Based Management in WHO South-East Asia Region |
| Background | Results-Based Management (RBM) is a strategic approach that focuses on planning, monitoring, and managing for measurable outputs, outcomes, and impact. Within the United Nations system, RBM has been widely adopted to strengthen accountability, efficiency, and learning. WHO integrated RBM into its planning and budgeting processes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, linking resources to measurable health results rather than activities. Under the GPW13, the “Triple Billion” targets reinforced a unified results framework connecting global priorities with country-level performance. GPW14 further embeds RBM by aligning strategy, budgets, and performance targets within a clear results chain, supported by theory of change principles. Despite progress, an independent evaluation identified persistent challenges, including unclear definitions of “results,” fragmented systems, and limited emphasis on learning and decision-making. In the South-East Asia Region (SEAR), no systematic assessment has examined staff knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to RBM. |
| Objectives | 1. To describe the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to Results-Based Management among staff working in World Health Organization, South-East Asia Region. 2. To determine the association between knowledge, attitude, and practices related to Results-Based Management among staff working in World Health Organization, South-East Asia Region. 3. To explore the challenges, facilitators, and barriers influencing the implementation of Results-Based Management among staff working in World Health Organization, South-East Asia Region 4. To document any best practices in the region related to promote culture of Results-based management among staff working in World Health Organization, South-East Asia Region. |
| Study Methods | The study will adopt a descriptive mixed-methods design comprising quantitative and qualitative components among staff of the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region. The quantitative component will be a cross-sectional survey with an analytical element to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to Results-Based Management (RBM). The qualitative component will include Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to explore contextual factors, barriers, facilitators, and best practices influencing RBM implementation. The study will be conducted from 6 March to 30 April 2026 among eligible staff of the Regional Office and Country Offices. Inclusion criteria comprise current professional staff (above G3 level), including permanent, fixed-term, and long-term consultants. Staff on extended leave, short-term visitors, and trainees will be excluded. For the quantitative component, a minimum sample of 248 participants will be selected using stratified random sampling, proportionate to staff categories (International Professional, National Professional Officer, and General Service). A structured, self-administered online questionnaire developed in Microsoft Forms will assess demographics, objective and self-rated knowledge, attitudes, practices, challenges, and support needs. Weekly reminders will be issued to enhance response rates. The qualitative component will use purposive sampling. Three FGDs (5–6 participants each) and KIIs with senior staff will be conducted via Microsoft Teams until data saturation is reached. Interviews will be audio-recorded with consent and transcribed verbatim. Quantitative data will be analyzed using R software with descriptive statistics. Qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | Establish baseline data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Results-Based Management (RBM) among staff in the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region. Identify specific knowledge gaps in RBM concepts such as results chain, theory of change, indicators, monitoring, and evaluation. Assess staff attitudes toward RBM, including perceptions of its usefulness, relevance, and organizational value. Determine the extent to which RBM principles are applied in day-to-day planning, monitoring, reporting, and decision-making. Examine associations between knowledge, attitudes, and practices to understand key drivers of RBM uptake. Identify practical barriers and facilitators influencing RBM implementation, including leadership support, tools, time constraints, and data availability. Document best practices and successful examples of RBM application within the region. Generate evidence to inform the design and refinement of a tailored RBM training course for SEA Region staff. Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen RBM systems, promote a results-oriented culture, and enhance accountability and performance aligned with GPW14 priorities. |
| Keywords | Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Results-Based Management, WHO South-East Asia Region |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 06-Mar-2026 |
| End Date | 30-Apr-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Self |
| Multi-country research | Yes |
| South-East Asia | |
| Nationwide research | No |
| South-East Asia | |
| Research Domain(s) | Health Systems Research |
| Research field(s) | |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Operational Research, Qualitative Study | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |