Organizational Systems Design

Building Better Systems

At PPS, we are passionate about helping organizations function peacefully and efficiently. A well functioning organizational system requires not only structural efficiency but also systems efficiency. In other words, the various parts of the whole, however those parts are structured, must have effective operational processes in place to communicate and synchronize toward the greater mission. When assessing, redeveloping, or designing new organizational systems, some of the following questions must be addressed:

• Do the departments and/or key players all know their roles and duties, and is each leader owning his or her lane?
• How well do the different departments communicate, and is there an adequate communication or feedback system within and among departments?
• Is there an appropriate conflict management system being utilized, and is each stakeholder or member thoroughly aware of how to engage it?
• Is the organization sufficiently satisfying the needs of each department and the individuals within those departments, and is there an adequate feedback system for improvement and optimization?

What is Organizational Systems Design (OSD)?

OSD is the process of building systems within an organization that help the organization function efficiently and productively while simultaneously inspiring and motivating the members or parts of the organizational whole. For example, if each member or department is an organ in the body of an organization, then the systems are the networks and network functionality that help and allow the whole to actually operate. The nervous system helps all the body’s organs communicate and synchronize; the circulatory system keeps all organs functioning at the cellular level; and so on. If any of these systems break down or are not functional to begin with, the entire organization begins to suffer. So, whereas specific doctors come in to assess and make recommendations for improving particular physiological systems in order to get the whole body functioning better, an organizational systems designer would analyze and help create a design for improving particular systems within an organization. The systems designer aims at creating more efficiency and productivity, better communication, more engaged employees, and happier customers.

OSD Processes typically include:

1. Initial systems assessment: What is currently in use, and what is working and not working?
2. Collaborative meetings with stakeholders: What do members and leaders believe will work better?
3. OSD Analysis Report: What assessments and interviews have taught us.
4. OSD Recommendations: Design ideas to be modified and adjusted ongoing for optimal systems efficiency.
5. Open-Systems Implementation: An ongoing process of trial, accountability, feedback, and adjustment.

Get in Touch!

Operations not working as well as you suspect they could at your organization? Need help structuring a brand new organization or developing and implementing particular systems for optimal functionality? Learn how PPS can help your organization function better. Contact us today!