The answer to the mystery of organisational behaviour can be provided by a Harvard Case Study on organisational behaviour which does not only solve the mystery but also offers the solution. This solution gives practical guidance for organisations of all sizes in creating their value and benefit chains from the very beginning to the end. It is a well-designed and comprehensive guide, with clear recommendations and clear examples.
The time has come to bring together the “bottom up” to the “top down” methodologies that have characterized organizations in the past and to apply them in a systematic manner. Only if the decision-making system can be constructed from the top down will it be effective and reliable. Only then will it be efficient and applicable.
The Case Study is an ideal starting point for organisations that wish to create a strong organisational culture. It presents useful techniques for the analysis of organisational behaviour and its management. It is not only a subject matter guide; it also is a valuable resource in generating business plans and vision statements.
The Harvard Case Study Solution is based on five principles: First, leadership must be the driving force behind the development of the problem-solving approach to organisational behaviour. It must address the key issues in the organisation and enable leaders to drive the problem solving process. Leaders must use organizational tools and techniques to achieve results and organizations must become the driving force behind the solutions.
Second, the psychological knowledge about the elements of good leadership and the qualities of a good leader are essential in the implementation of good organisational behaviour. Managers must use their knowledge and experience to guide staff through the concepts of managing and leading effectively. If not, the organisation will not be able to deliver its expected result.
Third, the principles of organisational behaviour are: use and acquire knowledge by carrying out actions and producing outputs; use and attain knowledge by engaging in discussions and the application of ideas; use and produce knowledge by contributing to the formulation of the problem; and use and attain knowledge by exercising initiative, taking risks and looking for opportunities. The principles are combined in the value chain to enable staff to develop and implement solutions for organisational problems. Staff must be helped to identify and pursue their own solutions and to work collaboratively with others in the organisation.
Fourth, the skills required for managing are: identify the problem, understand the implications of the problem, find solutions that are consistent with the problem and execute them, utilise expertise, make judgments and decisions, and evaluate evidence. The skills are combined in the team to support the capability of members to achieve solutions. Staff members must learn to build the team from the beginning to the end, so that they can support each other in achieving organisational solutions.
Fifth, the focus is on the skills of the team, the role of the team, and the members of the team. There is a need to give recognition to those who have contributed, demonstrate respect to those who have contributed, and motivate and train the members of the team. The team must also be supportive of the leadership and effective in providing opportunities for feedback.
The idea is to encourage members of the team to participate in the process of problem solving, to get to know their colleagues and to exchange ideas and techniques. This in turn, helps to provide support for the leader. And the leader can guide his or her team members in using the skills and the knowledge they have acquired to develop organisational solutions.
How these principles are put into practice, has been taught by senior leaders in diverse organisations that are part of the Harvard Learning Community. The Case Study Solution has been used successfully in many organisations and is known as a successful tool in enabling leaders to make the right decisions. That is why it has been included in the key to success by Steve Jobs and Tony Robbins in their book ‘Reflections’.
