The Three Frames approach consists of three interacting, learning frames, being:
the Relationship Frame;
the Performance Frame; and
the Alignment Frame.
The aim of the relationship frame is to build and sustain a safe, non-threatening environment in which people feel able to share information including their thoughts, feelings and values honestly with others.
This frame of reference acknowledges the individuals and relationships within the system and also recognises these within social capital theories. Robert Putman put it this way:
Stocks of social capital, such as trust, group norms, and self help networks, tend to be self reinforcing and cumulative. Successful collaboration in one endeavour builds connections which makes further collaboration possible.
The Relationship Frame helps individuals and groups develop a rapport with others, providing the best environment to solve problems, support each other and to achieve desired outcomes.
The Performance Frame looks at what we want to achieve and provides a clear and measurable picture of what we want, and need, to achieve to meet our goals. In a business management context a balanced scorecard approach can be used to set goals and accurately monitor performance. In the macro sense ‘government’ expectations are the benchmark. In this frame we need to determine what we as a department want to achieve and the way we want to achieve it.