The aforementioned pyramid on the previous page appreciates the fact that there are no clear boundaries between the Organic and Inorganic sides of an organization. It also discounts the interactions that occur between various elements of the pyramid, apart from the five pillars, that are not shown juxtaposed to each other.
The respective pyramid has been built with an emphasis on giving equal attention to the Organic and the Inorganic sides that co-exist within an organization to ensure robust sustainability, harmonized growth and unfettered prosperity on a long-term horizon.
The Organic and Inorganic sides of an organization are defined as follows:
The Organic Side refers to the collection of significant elements that infuse a vibrant spirit within an organization. It is how an organization assumes humanistic characteristics and becomes an embodiment of a soulful presence. Such aspects include:
• Ingrained core values
• Effervescent organizational culture
• Rousing vision and mission
• Propensity for introspection and change
• Discernible embrace of diversity and inclusion practices
• Competent, motivated and engaged workforce
The Inorganic Side refers to the collection of significant elements that reinforce the foundations of various functions within an organization. It is how an organization operates in a regimented manner.
Such aspects include:
• Robust management systems
• Streamlined business processes
• Rationalized procedures and policies
• Optimized technological interventions
• Responsiveness to competitive pressures
• Proliferation of organizational discipline
• Knowledge accumulation and preservation
The foundations of the depicted pyramid are defined by the following five pillars:
1. Systems
Focused on seamless integration of strategy and business processes.
2. Technology
Focused on efficient running of operations.
3. Environment
Focused on risk management of internal and external influences on strategy, business processes and operations.
4. Talent
Focused on key areas pertaining to talent management.
5. Values
Focused on inculcating a cohesive culture.
The aforementioned pillars subsequently give strength and support to synergistic elements that are depicted within the highlighted pyramid as they interact with each other and ultimately culminate into achieving Organizational Excellence for progressive organizations.
PARTING THOUGHTS
This feature article is not an indictment on the invasive use of technology; rather, it is affirmations of its efficacy in enabling progressive organizations achieve their operational objectives.
However, such initiatives should be carefully moderated in view of the ‘human factor’ that is the real driver of long-term success and critical for ensuring a steady stride towards the dynamic goal of attaining Organizational Excellence under the umbrella of a galvanizing Vision and a robust Mission.
Organizations that have the humility and astuteness to learn well from their missteps are the ones with the foresight for maximizing the probability of success. As W. Edwards Deming put it, ‘Learning is not compulsory...neither is survival’.
Murad Mirza has more than 15 years of multi-disciplinary experience in Organizational Development, Talent Management & Business Transformation as a Senior Executive, Corporate Manager, Consultant and Trainer. He is currently, serving as a Board Member with the US-based Global Diversity and Inclusion Foundation.
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