Toolkit Exercise 10.3

Application of Simons Control Systems Model

Consider a change you are familiar with (higher education change).

1. Describe the control processes and measures that were used with the change (i.e., the belief, interactive, boundary, and diagnostic controls). When and how were they used and what was their impact?

a. During the earlier stages of the change initiative

b. During the middle stages of the change initiative

c. During the latter stages of the change initiative

2. Were there forbidden topics in the organization, such as questions related to strategy or core values? Were those limits appropriate and did anyone test those limits by raising controversial questions or concerns? Were small successes celebrated along the way?

3. What changes could have been made with the control processes and measures that would have assisted in advancing the interests of the change?