On July 31, "William J. Hobler, Jr" <bhobler@worldnet.att.net> wrote
>The compliance based model is that of a hierarchial organization.
>Commitment is most easily gained in a model in which the committed have
>control rather than their 'superiors' having control.
The traditional organizational control model had its primary emphasis on
convergence based on pre-specified plans and goals. This model is based on
avoidance of errors by meticulous obedience of pre-specified plans, goals,
procedures, rules, etc. This model of control nurtures those who conform
to the rules regardless of the results. *However, while errors are
informational, compliance is not (Landau)*. Nor is commitment to
pre-specified 'company goals' - in the same context. A model with its
emphasis on compliance does not provide for the detection of error(Landau
& Stout). Hence, the proposed model of self-control (Malhotra & Kirsch
1996, Manz) is based on *"institutionalization of criticism"* (Landau)
rather than institutionalization of compliance with [or commitment to]
pre-specified goals and plans.
>I think that you must first establish clear goals and objectives that your
>people can commit to. Look at GE, Jack Welsh almost immediately set the
>goal of being either first or second world wide.
Apparently, GE's current strategy is not based upon long-term strategic
plans embodied in pre-specified *clear goals and objectives*. This point
is underscored by the following quote by GE's Steve Kerr in the Planning
Review of Sep/Oct 1995.
"The future is moving so quickly that you can't anticipate it...
We have put a tremendous emphasis on quick response instead of planning.
We will continue to be surprised , but we won't be surprised that we are
surprised. We will anticipate the surprise."
Hence, the new model is apparently that of "anticipation of surprise" and
"quick response" which may be ensured by cultivating an organizational
culture embedded in self-control and self-management [with due recognition
of caveats inherent in all choices].
Cheers!
Yogesh Malhotra
malhotra@vms.cis.pitt.edu
--Yogesh Malhotra <MALHOTRA@vms.cis.pitt.edu>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>