Four Cultures
There are four organisational cultures depending on their degree of Connectedness and Accountability:
There are four organisational cultures depending on their degree of Connectedness and Accountability:
Connectedness
Connectedness is based on the heart. It is a measure of sincere friendliness amongst members of the organisation.
The benefits of high Connectedness include: working in such an environment is enjoyable, this helps morale and people getting along together; it also often helps creativity because it fosters teamwork; shared information; a spirit of openness to new ideas and freedom to express out-of-the-box thinking; it encourages individuals to go beyond the formal requirements of the job; to work harder than is technically necessary to help colleagues.
The disadvantages of high Connectedness include: poor performance may be tolerated; concern for consensus may be too high; it can work well if you're an insider and you know the right people and hear the right gossip; however those on the outside may feel lost, mistreated or simply unable to affect processes or products in any real way.
Accountability
Accountability is based on the head. It is a measure of the ability to pursue shared objectives quickly and effectively regardless of personal ties.
The benefits of high Accountability include: strong strategic focus, swift response to competitive threats, an intolerance of poor performance, all employees held to the same high standard, often a strong sense of trust in the organisation. This is an organisation that treats everyone fairly and equally.
The disadvantages of high Accountability include: everyone following the wrong strategy (corporate suicide), low cooperation unless there is a match between “What’s in it for the organisation” and “What’s in it for me?”; otherwise may symptoms include: “It’s not my job”, and turf battles.
Which is best?
The Cracking Great Leaders Program is designed to help organisations achieve a Communal Culture with all the advantages that go with (teamwork, openness, creativity) and all the advantages of Accountability (focus, speed, performance).
The modules we select for the Program depend on where the organisation is at the start of the Program (Fragmented, Networked or Mercenary).
If your organisation, or the one you are consulting to, needs to move towards Communal let me know and I will give you some guidance.
Bruce Holland
Connectedness is based on the heart. It is a measure of sincere friendliness amongst members of the organisation.
The benefits of high Connectedness include: working in such an environment is enjoyable, this helps morale and people getting along together; it also often helps creativity because it fosters teamwork; shared information; a spirit of openness to new ideas and freedom to express out-of-the-box thinking; it encourages individuals to go beyond the formal requirements of the job; to work harder than is technically necessary to help colleagues.
The disadvantages of high Connectedness include: poor performance may be tolerated; concern for consensus may be too high; it can work well if you're an insider and you know the right people and hear the right gossip; however those on the outside may feel lost, mistreated or simply unable to affect processes or products in any real way.
Accountability
Accountability is based on the head. It is a measure of the ability to pursue shared objectives quickly and effectively regardless of personal ties.
The benefits of high Accountability include: strong strategic focus, swift response to competitive threats, an intolerance of poor performance, all employees held to the same high standard, often a strong sense of trust in the organisation. This is an organisation that treats everyone fairly and equally.
The disadvantages of high Accountability include: everyone following the wrong strategy (corporate suicide), low cooperation unless there is a match between “What’s in it for the organisation” and “What’s in it for me?”; otherwise may symptoms include: “It’s not my job”, and turf battles.
Which is best?
The Cracking Great Leaders Program is designed to help organisations achieve a Communal Culture with all the advantages that go with (teamwork, openness, creativity) and all the advantages of Accountability (focus, speed, performance).
The modules we select for the Program depend on where the organisation is at the start of the Program (Fragmented, Networked or Mercenary).
If your organisation, or the one you are consulting to, needs to move towards Communal let me know and I will give you some guidance.
Bruce Holland