Organizational Diagnosis Project – Option 1
Learning how to analyze, evaluate and report diagnostic organizational data is a critical skill. This project will provide you with an opportunity to interpret a raw data set extracted from a case study supplied by Dr. Norton.
The objective is to evaluate this information, form hypotheses, draw conclusions, draft a set of final conclusions and recommendations ready for reporting to the client organization.
This project is best categorized as a diagnostic study (see Harrison p. 12). The heart of the project is the last two phases of Harrison’s diagnostic phases: analysis and feedback. Upfront contextual information will also be presented that provides insight into this particular organization’s symptoms, conditions, and history.
The basic content of the paper can follow a structure similar to that shown below; however, you are encouraged to place your own stamp on how this is accomplished:
1. Introduction. Preface your paper with any one (or a combination) of the organizational models presented in class that you feel is appropriate given this particular case study. You are encouraged to combine models as you feel appropriate and as needed to enrich your analysis. The objective of this introductory section is to justify how you will evaluate the data through the lens of an appropriate organizational framework.
2. Data collection methods. The possibility exists that gaps in the study’s methods may exist, with the effect being that data you’d like to have may not exist. If this is the case, you can include discussion of this gap including a justification of why you see this as a liability. Note that diagnosticians always prefer access to more data (vs. less), but not always is this necessary, and can create distractions and unproductive tangents. Avoid this trap.
3. Data Interpretation. Obviously, the data collection phase of this diagnostic study has been completed for you. However, consistent with actual practice, a plethora of information and data is presented, and not all of it is relevant to final diagnostic conclusions; such is the case in practice as well. Your objective is to make sense of the data sufficient to extract insights that can be justified to arrive at valid conclusions.
a) Diagnosis Discussion: Create and discuss what you see as hypotheses regarding what might be the conditions impacting this organization. Focus on cause(s) and effects, including any moderating variables that you see from the data.
b) Include theories and models used in your interpretation, potential competing diagnoses and how they might be tested; that is, what additional methods or data would help you arrive at a valid diagnosis. Justify your thinking with sound logic.
4. Final diagnosis. Arrive at a set of final statements regarding cause and effect as well as statements on what you see as organizational conditions impacting performance at the organizational, team or individual levels. Make recommendations for the management team (i.e., your client). Assume that you would present this analysis, in its entirety, to the organization for action on their part.
5. Support your analysis and conclusions with written narratives, graphics, and embedded power point slides (if desired). Note that this is not simply a PowerPoint slide show or
graphical presentation of raw data. The assignment calls for a written interpretation of the data supported by illustrations (if it helps make your point).
