john latham

organization designer

Organization Design

2_Designing_Org_Systems.001

Description

This session explores a flexible framework for designing organization and management systems that create sustainable value for multiple stakeholders. This positive approach to design builds on a foundation of performance excellence concepts and principles. It integrates systems theory, design thinking, appreciative inquiry, and sustainability (economic, environmental, and social stakeholders). Case examples are included to illustrate key concepts related to the “art and science” of organization system design. Participants learn to apply the design principles and practices by redesigning a workforce performance management system. | Download Slides

Topics and Objectives

  • Systems Thinking + Design Thinking – What is it and why should we care?
  • Parallels between industrial or product design and organization design
  • The overall design process D4+I: discover, design, develop, deploy, iterate.
  • The stakeholder-centered design framework for of organizations and organizational systems.
  • Understand how to apply the nine components of the design framework to a “real world” workforce performance management system (class design exercise – PRO-TEC Case Study).
  • Identify the purposes and requirements of a workforce performance management system (PMS)
  • Understand the “nature” of a PMS
  • Understand how contemporary OD theories and concepts apply to a PMS (see Mullins Text pp. 510 – 518)
  • Review real-world examples
  • Understand how the unique context (including culture) of the organization influence the design of a PMS
  • Understand how the design principles apply to a PMS
  • Understand the linkages to other organization systems
  • Assess a real-world PMS and identify opportunities for redesign
  • Propose a new PMS design
  • Conditions for successful design in organizations.
  • Creating an environment for innovation.

Recommended Preparation

1. Read the PRO-TEC Coating Company Case Study – Performance Management System. | Download

2. Watch the Tim Brown, CEO IDEO, TED video

3. Read the article – Brown, T. (2008). Design thinking. Harvard Business Review, 86(6), 9. | Download

4. Review pp. 510 – 518 Section on Performance Management in Mullins, Laurie J. (2010). Management and Organisational Behavior (9th ed.). Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited.

Additional Resources

Latham, J. R. (2012). Management system design for sustainable excellence: Framework, practices, and considerations. Quality Management Journal, 19(2), 15. | Download