Organizational DNA

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What is Organizational DNA?

Organizational DNA is a metaphor coined by consultancy firm Booz Allen Hamilton for the underlying factors that collectively determine how an organization is defined, put together and behaves (its “personality”), and that help explain its ability to thrive (performance).

It is made out of 4 building blocks, which combined largely determine how an organization behaves, and whether it can achieve results:

1. Decision Rights. The underlying mechanics of how decisions are truly made. Who decides what... really... and how?

2. Information. Accurate and available information is needed. How is performance measured? How are activities coordinated, and how is knowlegde transferred? Without accurate and available information, decision-makers cannot make quick, smart moves in the marketplace, and employees don’t receive the recognition—either positive or negative—that their actions merit. Bad information has a powerful negative effect on the other DNA building blocks—particularly decision rights and motivators.

3. Motivators. Money and all of the objectives, incentives, and career opportunities that prompt people to care and achieve. What objectives, incentivesm and career alternatives do people have? These rewards, both financial and non-financial, can encourage individuals to align their goals with those of the organization and pursue them in earnest…or they can, however inadvertently, stimulate counterproductive behaviors by driving a wedge between self-interest and the good of the organization.

4. Structure. This should be the capstone, not the cornerstone, of most reorganization efforts. What does the overall organizational model look like, including the "lines and boxes" on the organizanation chart?

Forum Forum about Organizational DNA. 🔥 Organizational DNA is not a Credible Metaphor This widely disseminated metaphor does not make sense. Transferring the concept of human DNA to the organizational context is misleading: - Human DNA normally can't be altered and has a genetic inher... 17   17 comments The Influence of Corporate DNA on the Mindset of New Employees Unconscious decisions are highly personal. The ever changing dynamics of a Corporate suit the conscious mindset of an employee. Organizational DNA is the part which remains static—irrespective of an o... 4   2 comments Business Genetics: Activities to be Executed in Delivering Value Another view to the DNA of a business is the one by Cedric Tyler. Tyler developed a method around the decomposition of an organisation. He took the principles of Porter and expanded. His starting poin... 3   2 comments Cases of Organizational DNA. Examples Hi, do you know of a remarkable case or a good example of the organizational DNA of some well-known firm?Please enter a reaction to share it for other people to enjoy! Thanks for contributing...!... 2   Start a new topic about Organizational DNA Sign up for free

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Best Practices The best, top-rated topics about Organizational DNA. Here you will find the most valuable ideas and practical suggestions. 🥇 Can Change be in the DNA of an Organization? Can change become part of the nature (DNA) of the organization or it is a tool the organization should use to interact with the external environment?... 54   13 comments

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Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Organizational DNA. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Introduction Into Organizational DNA Organizational DNA, Four Building Blocks, Seven Organization Types Introduction into Organizational DNA This presentation provides an introduction into Organizational DNA and includes th...

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