What is the place of organizational analysis in my career development and how can it help progression toward becoming an APP (McKinsey 7-S Framework)?

The work of Peters and Waterman (1982) highlights seven elements necessary for a harmonized organization. These seven elements are split into hard and soft elements. Hard elements are visually apparent; Strategy, structure and systems while soft elements are more theoretical; shared values, skills, style and staff.

The theorists suggest that all of the elements are interdependent and as such a break down in any area of the model can lead to a lack of effectiveness. It can be said that the elements of this model can exist in every school, faculty, staff room and even classroom.

This model provides a guide for organizational analysis in that each element can be investigated systematically. For instance, in the case of a senior management team analyzing a whole school issue it creates a focus which can identify problems and thus encourage collective solutions.

Peters and Waterman (1982) suggest that the model be used to bridge a gap between the current situation (Point A) and desired situation (Point B). By focusing on all seven elements an APP or collective management team can investigate the issue systematically and propose founded solutions. While the model possibly simplifies problem solving it does at least offer guidance for the identification and subsequent resolution of educational problems.