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Organizational DNA: Diagnosing Your Organization for Increased Effectiveness

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This book explores the relationship of organizational alignment and effectiveness, using the analogy of DNA. DNA is used, in my opinion to describe 4 different kinds of corporate cultures or environments. By looking at 4 small manufacturing companies, the authors explore different ways (building blocks) to increase alignment. They stress the importance of chosing the right approach for your company DNA. I really like how they focus on fit and alignment- finding what works for your particular problem, situation or company. Too often, practictioners are in search of a single solution. If you only tool is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail, right? Although they don't focus here, it would make sense that methods that are close to your business model, would decrease resistence and increase results.

Profiles four organizational types (fact-based, idea-grounded, context-related, and individual-oriented) and shows how each type leads to variations in the same organizational practices. The authors go on to examine the consequences of appropriate and inappropriate alignments of organizational practices. The discussion covers: methods for attaining alignment; leadership and management issues; and a diagnostic tool to help categorize an organization's type. Four cases are discussed in some detail.

A novel and intriguing approach to the study of organization and an approach to organizational change.