Organizational Assessment

The Process

The assessment process is straightforward and non-threatening. It consists of two key data collection components, data analysis, alienation/satisfaction evaluation, recommendations prioritized by cost and impact, feedback (separately) to the senior leadership involved, the local management team, and the employees, and a report outlining this information. The assessment is often done at the request of client counsel.

The Management Assessment

The Management Assessment typically involves one-on-one supervisory interviews. Supervisors respond to a series of questions regarding what they believe to be their employees’ perceptions of certain workplace issues. Additionally, supervisors are asked to respond to certain questions from their own perspective. These responses are evaluated. Management interviews last about 45 minutes.

Employee Focus Groups

The Employee Focus groups typically involve groups of about 20 employees (in their natural work teams if possible). Employees answer a short questionnaire on workplace issues. This is followed by a group discussion on workplace issues including items viewed as positive, items that could be improved and other issues as they arise. The focus groups generally last about an hour. While we are typically there to listen and facilitate, periodically we may address employee misperceptions of some workplace issues. In this way, we begin help employees grasp the reality of what is occurring in the workplace. In some cases, this may shed a positive light on the employer at other times it may not. The goal is to get to the truth so we can address perceptions leading to the resolution of issues.

Data Analysis

Data Analysis is conducted on the resulting employee-management information. The responses are evaluated and compared. A comparison is made and a gap analysis performed. The resulting analysis will give management a view of how they may begin to impact employee workplace attitudes. It will also offer rationale for certain employee attitudes, and how they could affect future workplace issues.

Feedback

Feedback is offered in several formats. First, the senior leadership (and the site leader) is offered an initial snapshot (verbally as soon as the assessment is completed). Second, generally within seven days, a draft report is provided to the senior leadership. This draft contains a complete analysis including quantitative factors, a narrative to address qualitative issues, and draft recommendations. The final report is completed as soon as is practical.

The management team is provided feedback on an excerpted version of the final report. This feedback includes enough information to ensure issues are clearly identified and potential resolution factors are understood. Employee feedback takes the form of a general presentation of issues, recommendations and activity the management team has initiated in the wake of the assessment.

The Final Report

The Final Report is submitted to the executive leadership team via appropriate legal counsel.

Action Plan & Implementation

Separately from the assessment process, our staff can help prepare and implement a post-assessment action plan to help the leadership team in executing solutions.