Mckinsey 7s Framework Congruence Model

McKinsey 7S Framework

Congruence Model for Organization Analysis

Burke-Litwin Model of Organizational Performance & Change

Force Field Analysis

Several organizations employ organization development (OD) strategies in order to j help them improve their effectiveness (Cummings & Worley, 1993). One of the strategies that are employed is organizational diagnosis. This strategy involves the assessment of an organization's current level of operation so as to design an appropriate and relevant change intervention. The concept of organization diagnosis is a crucial element of organizational development and is used in a way which is very much similar to the ones used in medicine (medical model). This process however involves the conducting of test, collection of vital information on the organizational system and the evaluation of this information in order to effectively prescribe the appropriate course of action. Organizational diagnosticians must therefore employ specialized methodologies to collect the vital information on a given organization, to effectively analyze this information as well as design an appropriate intervention as suggested by Tichy, Hornstein, & Nisberg (1977). The merger between Microsoft and Skype presents a potential case of organizational diagnosis. This is necessary so as to determine how certain aspects of Skype like inputs, productivity, resources, outputs, throughput effort, strategy as well as performance. The main purpose of such as an analysis is to see if there are any important issues at the organization (Skype) and how they ay affects its integration into the main company (Microsoft).

Before embarking on the analysis, it is important for us to view the organization a complete system (total system). The total system can be considered to be a representation of open system theory. This is in line with the opinions of Katz and Kahn (1978) which suggests that an organization can be regarded as a total system having;

Inputs

Throughputs and Outputs that are effectively connected via feedback loops.

In this paper, we use the following models in performing organizational diagnostics. McKinsey 7S Framework, Congruence Model for Organization Analysis, Burke-Litwin Model of Organizational Performance & Change, Force Field Analysis, Open Systems Theory and Falletta's Organizational Intelligence Model

McKinsey 7S Framework

The McKinsey 7S Framework evaluates a given organization using seven variables including organizational structure, organizational strategy, systems, skills, style, staff, as well as shared values. In this regard we can clearly see that the structure of Skype is not exactly similar to the for Microsoft.That is why it is important for Microsoft to make important changes to its organizational structure so as to accommodate the extra functions that would be created among its organizational ranks when it integrates with Skype. Under the new arrangement, both organizations would have to make changes to their structure in order for the deal to work. Under the new strategy for instance, Microsoft would have to create a Skype division which must appropriately report to its CEO, Steve Ballmer.

The fact that Microsoft bought Skype, a company that makes profits off a free product is just wonderful. That is why it would be a great idea for Skype to be appended onto Microsoft's structure as a separate and autonomous division as suggested by Bryce (2011). This approach would go a long way into promoting a free product business model, a fact that would make the integration with other Microsoft product a little difficult. In regard to organizational strategy, the companies can work towards a similar strategy of delivering high quality products to their clients. This would be the same for their shared values. The efforts towards integrating the structures, systems and strategy should however be given most attention. The strategy of partnerships, strategic alliance and acquisitions must be upheld.

Using this framework, we can see the need for new leadership so as to ensure that the new acquisition does not suffer from the past bad decisions.

Congruence Model for Organization Analysis

The congruence model of organizational analysis specifies the inputs, outputs and the throughputs in manner which is more consistent with the open systems theory as noted by Katz and Kahn (1978).In this regard the inputs, outputs and the throughputs of both Skype and Microsoft must be analyzed with a view of transforming them into a clear and concise organizational model.According to this model, there is a need for transformational leadership style to be adopted by the management of the newly formed organizational unit.

Burke-Litwin Model of Organizational Performance & Change

This model is a representation of a given organization in pictorial form and depicts the network of relationship that exists among the variables as noted by Hunter and Gerbing (1982).This models is best suited for the analysis of Skype and Microsoft integration since it takes into account the external environment, leadership, mission and strategy, culture, management practices structure, systems, climate, motivation, skills match, individual needs and performance. This therefore means that it brings out holistic picture of the organization.