Introduction-
The 7S model is a strategic model that can be used for any of the following purposes: * Organizational alignment or performance improvement * Understanding the core and most influential factors in an organization’s strategy * Determining how best to realign an organization to a new strategy or other organization design * Examining the current workings and relations an organization exhibits The model, made famous by the McKinsey consulting company, is good for a thorough discussion around an organizations activities, infrastructure, and interactions.
-The model and its usage-
Here is the 7S model that portrays seven elements of an organization. I define the elements as follows:
Strategy – This is the organization’s alignment of resources and capabilities to “win” in its market.
Structure – This describes how the organization is organized. This includes roles, responsibilities and accountability relationships.
Systems – This is the business and technical infrastructure that employees use on a day to day basis to accomplish their aims and goals.
Shared Values – This is a set of traits, behaviors, and characteristics that the organization believes in. This would include the organization’s mission and vision.
Style – This is the behavioral elements the organizational leadership uses and culture of interaction.
Staff – This is the employee base, staffing plans and talent management.
Skills – This is the ability to do the organization’s work. It reflects in the performance of the organization. To assess each of these elements, here are some questions to ask:
Strategy – * What is the organization’s strategy seeking to accomplish? * How does the organization plan to use its resources and capabilities to deliver that? * What is distinct about this organization? * How does the organization compete?