Describe the open-systems model (textbook, pp. 92–96) in your own words. Discuss how the ever-changing external environment constantly affects an organization’s internal interrelated and interdependent subsystems. As well, discuss each of the seven key properties of an open system. Use complete sentences throughout the paper; do not make lists.
In one paragraph, identify and discuss whether your organization is an open or closed system, based on the key properties. Clearly identify which external environmental factors have an impact on your organization.
Organizational Culture and Leadership Activities
Describe thoroughly what organizational culture means (textbook, pp. 552–558). Then discuss the key elements of organizational culture. In a second paragraph, discuss whether your organization has a strong or weak culture and how culture is reproduced and maintained within your organization. Explain, based on theory.
Discuss why it is important for management to implement all five leadership activities, and then provide an overview of the five leadership activities that contribute to effective change management (textbook, pp. 179–201). Explain why it is important for leaders to motivate change that allows for this effective change management to occur. In a separate paragraph, discuss the different leadership activities that management has or has not implemented within your organization.
Organizational Problem and Elements To Be Assessed
For this assignment, you will choose a manageable group size at the group or department level. Clearly state the problem at this level. Focus on identifying the underlying cause of the problem rather than the symptoms. Is the problem at a group or department level? (It is often more manageable to identify a problem at the group/department level.) Refer to “Clarifying the Organizational Issue” (textbook, p. 76), and pay careful attention to Chapter 5 of the textbook.
Discuss in detail the two organizational elements you will assess and explain each one based on the theoretical concepts identified in the textbook. If either of the two chosen elements has already been discussed in the body of the paper, there is no need to do so again. For example if you as the OD practitioner believe that organizational culture is causing the problem, you will have already discussed this in the previous section. However, if you identify an organizational element from the list provided below, then you are to discuss it in this section of your paper, based on theoretical concepts from the textbook. For example, if you believe that leadership is causing the organizational problem, then explain Likert’s four management systems and clearly identify the leadership style you believe management is presently using that directly contributes to the organizational problem.
Organizational elements that could be assessed include the following:
• strategy
• structure
• processes
• technology
• culture
• leadership
• group design
• job design
• human resource systems—performance management, wellness, developing talent
• communication
• work design
• career planning
• leadership and management development process
• knowledge management
• other areas as appropriate (must be approved by your Academic Expert)
Conclusion
Write one paragraph highlighting two or three key observations. Do not raise new information in the conclusion or list what has been discussed in the body of the paper.