Background to the culture questions

The perception of the effectiveness of the organization is based on the following questions from the theory of competitive values, a practical tool that has helped many organizations, was developed initially on the basis of research into the main indicators of effective organizations. There are two main dimensions that underpin conceptions of effectiveness. The first dimension is related to organizational focus, from an internal emphasis on the well-being and development of people in the organization to an external focus on the well-being and development of the organization itself. The second dimension distinguishes organizational preference for structure and represents the contrast between stability and control versus flexibility and change. Together, the two dimensions form four quadrants. The Competitive Values framework gets its name from the criteria within the four models that initially appear to be contradictory. Organizations must be adaptable and flexible, but we also want them to be stable and controlled at the same time. A paradox.

By giving points to a sentence that addresses an aspect of effectiveness in the here and now and then how the distribution of points must be in order to be a much more effective organization in a few years, a difference is created. What this difference looks like gives a clear direction to the way in which the working environment, not only physical things such as furniture and walls, but also organizational matters such as the way we deal with those things, the working agreements and guidelines. With the answers to the following 6 fairly difficult questions, it is possible to develop a working environment together that optimally supports the organization.

In short: for each question, you can divide 100 points over four answer options. An option can be left empty which is equal to zero points. You may not have any of the options given a preference. Not being able to fill in exactly what you feel is frustrating for some people. We realize that. Then remember that it is not about right or wrong, it is a tool to better understand and facilitate movements within the organization. If you give all four options the same value, indicates that you do not have a preference for a particular quadrant.

You answer each of the six questions from two perspectives. The first is based on the current situation and the second as you want the organization to look in 5 years' time. In these questions, "The organization" means the operational level to which you feel most connected.