Change Management Model
One way to predict the effects of change on your organisation is to use the 7S model.
The 7 elements need to be aligned to your vision and objectives.
There is no hierarchy within the 7 elements because they are all equally important and interdependent. A decision to change one of the elements will have an impact on each of the other elements in some way.
For example, if you recruit someone new to a key position, you will not only affect your staffing, but the skills available in your business. The relationships amongst staff will change, and work will be done differently, changing the values of the team.
The model helps you plan what the impact of a change management programme might be on the key elements of your business.
The 7 elements are divided into 3 ‘Hard’ elements and 4 ‘Soft’ elements.
The Hard Elements are typically easier to define and to manage.
• Strategy
• Structure
• Systems
The Soft Elements are usually harder to define and harder to manage.
• Shared Values
• Skills
• Staff
• Style
Strategy: planning the right direction and setting the objectives that will shape the future.
Structure: How tasks are divided, coordinated and managed.
Systems: The formal and informal, procedures and processes by which your business routinely performs its daily tasks.
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Style: The leadership and management style adopted by your business and its culture.
Staff: How your business nurtures, develops, empowers and rewards people.
Skills: The key skills and competencies, knowledge and experience of your business.
Shared Values: The principles that determine how people work within your organisation. These are shaped by your vision, mission, beliefs, culture etc.
Shared Values are shown at the centre of the model because they affect every other element directly.
A decision to change one of the elements will have an impact on all of the elements.
Applying the Model:
The 7S model is a framework to help you consider all aspects of your business when implementing change. By considering a decision’s impact on each of the 7 elements you can anticipate the effect on each one.
The model can be used to:
• Understand the complex relationships in your business.
• Identify problem areas.
• Be aware of the wider impact of decisions.
• Check the alignment within the business and linkage with objectives.
It’s a model to help you think, plan and ask the right questions. You can use it as a checklist for managing change, especially the review of significant business decisions such as acquisitions.
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