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Solving Organizational Malfunctions
Complexity in the way most organizations are managed makes it extremely difficult to figure out precisely where organizational problems arise from. Malfunctions in organizational operations typically manifest themselves in the form of outputs not meeting desired standards, repeat errors reaching unacceptable levels, performance quality dropping below standard, absenteeism or turnover increasing, or costs rising while capacity and sales decreasing. These symptoms are all indications that the organization is not functioning effectively. But they are only the tip of the iceberg, seen above the surface. Underneath, are the more fundamental, submerged roots, also existing in layers, with the ones nearer the surface symptomatic of the basic problems deeper down.
The main challenge to improving an organization's performance is to identify correctly the core problems that cause ineffective functioning. Yet, with the many layers of less fundamental problems obscuring the truly core issues, organizations wind up attacking problems that are only symptoms. It is then not surprising that same problems keep popping up, often in slightly different forms, which, in turn, leads to a general sense of frustration and disillusionment about the change process and whether or not the effort is worth it.
Stream Analysis is a mechanism for mastering problems that block effective organizational functioning. It ferrets out the issues at the root of the difficulties facing a system, and provides for a shared understanding and consensus among the stakeholders about the problems, as well as solutions to the problems, thus ensuring the success of the interventions. By also producing simple graphic records of the process, it preserves the memory of management practices and helps reduce the likelihood of recurring incidents.
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