In this post, I will discuss the 7-S Framework and its application to the organization where I currently work. The model analyzes a company's organizational design (internal scan) with the goal of determining the health and structural support a business has. By using seven interconnected elements, it helps senior management understand how a change to one element could affect another. The elements Structure, Strategy, Skill, System, Shared Values, Style, and Staff. Of these elements, some are considered Soft Ss (Skill, Shared Values, Style, and Staff) while the others (Structure, Strategy, and Systems) are considered Hard Ss (CFI Team, 2022). Similar to a resume, there are soft and hard skills; both are crucial and interdependent.

Steps to applying the model: Step 1: Identify the areas that are not effectively aligned. This is where a company looks for gaps in the relationships of the elements. Step 2: Determine the optimal organization design. In this step, a design is selected with the goal of achieving achievable objectives in mind. Step 3: Decide where and what changes should be made: this will include an action plan affecting things such as the flow of communication or hierarchy. Step 4: Make the necessary changes. In this final stage, a company will implement the decision strategy. (CFI Team, 2022)

The benefits of this technique are that it allows different parts of a company to act in sync, provides an effective measure of tracking the impact and is considered a long-lasting theory (CFI Team, 2022)

The disadvantages can be that it is considered a long-term model, it is uncertain how the model will adapt to changing business environments, and it focuses more on internal factors, leaving external factors overlooked (CFI Team, 2022),

The 7S Model is useful for my company to support the opening of our new manufacturing plant by ensuring that it aligns with the company's goals. Step 1: Define strategic goals for the plant, such as expanding capacity to meet growing demand and improving efficiency. Step 2: Assess if systems (production processes) and skills (trained staff) are ready to handle new technology and capacity. Identify where gaps exist and where additional training or recruitment is required. Step 3: Adjust structure to ensure clear reporting and accountability across the old and new facilities to avoid confusion and ensure effective decision-making. Using the 7S Model will allow us to be proactive in identifying areas where we are misaligned and will allow us to implement changes before we move.

Choose one of the tools used during the discovery phase for analyzing problems, issues, change management initiatives, etc. These can include SWOT analysis, TOWS analysis, Ethnography or the 7-S Framework. Explain the technique, its benefits, disadvantages, and uses in understanding specific problems as it applies to your organization of interest (researched or one you work for).

with citation and references