Organizational Characteristics

All 6 are essential for you to adapt to change...

from Dr. Kenneth D. Mackenzie's The Practitioner's Guide to Organizing Organizations

There are six desired organizational characteristics for an efficiently adaptable organization in the holonomic organization model. Each is described in terms of a set of conditions, all 6 of which must be met if the organization is to possess this Desired Organizational Characteristic [DOC].

1. Clarity of Direction

Means that the organization has a:

• Clearly defined Strategic Direction, and that
• Every Associate, unit and the organization as a whole knows what must be done and how to get it done, and
• The organization has the will and means for maintaining Clarity of Direction.

2. Clarity of Structures

Means that:

• The many organizational tasks and their Technological Support Systems are understood,
• Their interdependencies are recognized and understood,
• There is position clarity throughout the organization,
• The Organizational Logic and the Organizational Architecture are congruent, and
• The organization has the will and the means to maintain Clarity of Structures.

3. Clarity of Measurement

Means that, throughout the organization. there are:

• Clearly defined performance standards which are defined by and linked to the work itself and
• Supported by an Organizational Rewards System that is linked to the work itself and the Technological Support Systems that
• Motivate each Associate and unit to achieve these standards and those of the entire organization and
• The organization has the will and the means for maintaining this Clarity of Measurement.

4. Successful Goal Achievement

Means that, given the Strategic Direction, the following three-step process is followed throughout the organization:

1. Deciding what must be done, then
2. Determining how to get it done, and then
3. Making sure that it gets done successfully.

Furthermore, the means and will exist for ensuring that this process for Successful Goal Achievement is operating throughout the organization.

5. Results Oriented Problem Solving

Means that the following seven-step process is followed throughout the organization:

1. Decisions are made at the lowest possible level at which the work or problem occurs
2. The best available resources are brought to bear on the problem solving tasks
3. These resources are utilized in problem solving
4. There is clear identification of the accountable decision maker and those Associates who are in support
5. The problem solving process is healthy and nonpolitical
6. The rewards for successful problem solving and for positive results are clearly defined, and
7. The result of problem solving is an implementable best decision.

These three criteria are essential:

1. Results Oriented Problem Solving is working for the organization as a whole
2. Results Oriented Problem Solving is working at the unit-level and for individuals, and
3. The will and means exist to ensure Results Oriented Problem Solving

6. Associates Are Assets and Resources

Means that, given the Strategic Direction, the following conditions are met throughout the organization:

• Associates are a continuing source of results as the organization evolves
• Associates continually contribute knowledge, information and energy to solve the organization's problems and enable it to seize opportunities as it adapts to its dynamically complex environments.
• The means and will exist for ensuring that Associates are treated as assets and resources throughout the organization.

These six Desired Organizational Characteristics of the efficiently adaptive organization need to be characteristic of the entire organization and not just of senior management.

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