Do Not ‘Hit and Miss’ Or ‘Spray and Pray’, Diagnose First

Abstract

This quantitative, cross-sectional study uses an integrated system evaluation process to diagnose eight variables (key tasks, structure, people relationships, motivation, support, management leadership, attitude towards change and performance) that contribute to effective organisations, with the aim of identifying gaps and suggesting corrective actions. The population comprised of all staff in a provincial trade and investment promotion agency in South Africa and a consensus approach was used through a cluster sampling technique, which secured an 85.4% response rate. Data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the questionnaires were statistically determined using Factor Analysis and Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha. The results indicate that employees perceive the eight elements of organisational diagnosis as having the potential to influence effectiveness in varying degrees. The element perceived to be functioning most effectively, having the least degree of shortfalls is Key Tasks, and the element requiring the greatest degree of improvement is Structure. Significant intercorrelations exist amongst these eight diagnostic variables. Based on the results of the study, strengths and areas for improvement in each of these diagnostic variables has been identified and recommendations are graphically depicted, which when effectively implemented has the potential to enhance each of the elements and overall organisational effectiveness.