Management Systems should reflect the actual practice of an organisation. Whatever model of management system is recognised or adopted, the practice is more important and should be developed as a mainstay of the organisation culture before the written record is recognised.
Many authorities and institutions require written Management Systems, but they are only intended as a record whereby the development, maintenance and improvement of the management system practice can be monitored and tested.
Benchmark personnel can work with an organisation to recognise its existing good practices and formalise them as a system of management that can be legitimately presented. This approach is essential if Management and staff are to have belief in and commitment to any system. They must know it, own it and make it work. It should record their achievements and reflect their abilities.