ODS - The Organizational MRI

ODS Articles
(ODS = Organizational Diagnostic System)

Overview

An Organizational MRI (scorecard)
For the Human Side of Enterprise

What gets measured
Organizational Performance Groupings

Easy To Understand Reports
How to Interpret Report Scores

Case Study
How ODS Improved Organizational Capacity to Perform

Research - Validation
Behind the ODS Measurement System

Executive Focused Information
How Executives Use ODS Reports



Case Study
ODS Drives Performance Improvements

The ODS Process successfully drives
5 Year Organizational Development Effort

5 Yr Development Results

Example of Real Change

The above chart shows an example of ODS being used to measure current status at the start of a development effort and track improvement success over 5 years. The measures show that there was a big need for the organization to improve itself and that in the end, the development effort created substantial improvement.

The ODS measurement effort was a clear driving force for creating the will to improve. Measuring the success achieved from our work with our clients has been a key source of information for improving WSA methodology.

The Story Behind the Above Improvements

How to Read the Chart

 

Hard Meaningful Measures
to Drive Improved Organizational Performance

Details

The Story Behind the Data

This is the third time the company has completed an ODS and the results are very encouraging. There are still some issues that need to be addressed by the senior team. These results are clear evidence that the initiatives they have undertaken over the past five years have created significant change but there is still a lot to do to reach the goals they had set for themselves.

For Direction factor the efforts that have been put into improving the communications with employees about the company’s direction have paid off. This trend follows with the results for the
Focus factor there are two key items to be pleased about. First the levels are up to “above average” for the high standards being set.. Secondly, the three levels all agree (there is homogeneity between the scores). In addition the direct result of imposing work standards and putting in a performance management system is clearly reported.

The Involvement factor clearly shows that imposing work standards has had an impact in many places. Unfortunately there is evidence that some of the efforts to empower people have not borne the hoped for results and there is also still some way to go to create the innovative environment they seek to create.

In the Communications factor there are improvements, but looking at the individual question level reveals breakdowns between senior managers and managers which need to be addressed promptly for the desired change to continue to flourish. These may be simply explained but do need attention.

The Competence factor has shown areas of significant improvement and the investment the company has made in developing the staff has already shown a positive change. From the aspect of retention the company offers good career opportunities which is recognized. This is growing in importance as the talent market continues to tighten.

Similarly, for the Processes factor the results are more encouraging and good progress has been made. The efforts to create a continuous improvement culture are working which bodes well for the future.


The Work Planning factor is also an encouraging section. This improvement in performance is substantial. Also notable is the alignment achieved here. This is important as the company's effort on improving work planning had been intensive. It is nice to see effort has paid off in measurable improvements

The Work Performance factor has shown improvement over the initial survey. However, the goal of installing a performance management system still needs work. The results show a preference for providing informal feedback rather than the formal process. There are also further signs of the breakdown between senior managers and managers that need urgent review.

The Work Environment factor shows the smallest improvement over the period. This is a reflection of the excellent job security and compensation your staff already enjoy. There is evidence that the efforts to focus on performance rather than seniority as a basis for salary increments has made some progress.

In summary this is a satisfying report but it shows there is still more to do to reach the goals you have set for the company.