Academic Insight
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ecently, I took my car into a local auto repair center to get my routine oil change. While there, I requested that the automotive service technician also check my alignment, because I noticed that even with my steering wheel set straight, my vehicle seemed to be pulling to the right as of late. What I have learned from my own research and experience is that vehicle alignment problems can happen suddenly (e.g. hitting a big pothole) or gradually over time (e.g. normal wear and tear of the parts of the suspension system). A vehicle with poor alignment can result in a shorter than expected life cycle
BY Shontarius D. Aikens, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management at Offutt School of Business at Concordia College 90
JUNE 2021
GARY USSERY
Using The 7S Model to Improve Organizational Alignment for the tires and could lead to more dangerous driving situations in the future.
will be a good starting point if you feel that your organization is due for an organizational alignment checkup.
Just like an automobile needs to be aligned to function properly, an organization needs to be properly aligned as well. Misalignments within an organization can affect its ability to implement a strategy in the marketplace. The 7S Model created by consultants at McKinsey and Company provides a framework for organizations to determine if their primary organizational elements are in alignment. In the context of the 7S Model, alignment is defined as “a condition where organizational elements fit together and reinforce each other.” The process involves first assessing each organizational element (strengths and weaknesses), second, determining which elements are aligned or misaligned, and third, determining appropriate actions needed to ensure future alignment. The seven organizational elements to examine for organizational alignment are strategy, structure, systems, staffing, skills, style, and shared values. The definitions for each organizational element are provided below along with some items for consideration when using this model. It is my hope that this
Strategy Strategy is defined as “the plan or process that creates and sustains a competitive advantage for a firm.” In general, firms typically choose between either a low-cost leader strategy or a differentiation/niche strategy when trying to achieve a competitive advantage in the market. Reflect on any adjustments that need to be made to your firm’s overall strategy given recent changes in the general environment (e.g. emergence of new products/services, changes in customer demographics and preferences, changes in technology, etc.). Structure Structure is defined as ”the division of labor and tasks within the organization into separate units and the reporting authority structure of the firm.” Due to the recent pandemic, some organizational tasks could have been expanded, reduced, or eliminated. Be clear about those tasks that will continue for the foreseeable future, and those tasks that no longer serve a purpose. Then, revisit
