7s Framework

It is also noted that the softer components of the model are difficult to change and are the most challenging elements of any change-management strategy. Changing the culture and overcoming the staff resistance to changes, especially the one that alters the power structure in the organisation and the inherent values of the organisation, is generally difficult to manage. However, if these factors are altered, they can have a great impact on the structure, strategies and the systems of the organisation. Over the last few years, there has been a trend to have a more open, flexible and dynamic culture in the organisation where the employees are valued and innovation encouraged. This is, however, not easy to achieve where the traditional culture is been dominant for decades and therefore many organisations are in a state of flux in managing this change. What compounds their problems is their focus on only the hard components and neglecting the softer issues identified in the model which is without doubt a recipe for failure. Similarly, when analysing an organisation using the 7S model, it is important for the researcher to give more time and effort to understanding the real dynamics of the organisation's soft aspects as these underlying values in reality drive the organisations by affecting the decision-making at all levels. It is too easy to fall into the trap of only concentrating on the hard factors as they are readily available from organisations' reports etc. However, to achieve higher marks, students must analyse in depth the cultural dimension of the structure, processes and decision made in an organisation.

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