Defining Organizational Assessment Tools And Their Value

By Elise Clayton


Any business has to make sure to determine its ongoing performance as well as its scenario within a broader environment. Opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses are aspects which need to be given importance, as these will improve or reduce the performance levels of the firm's operations, as well as its profits. That is why organizational assessment, is an important part of the whole process. Let us define what it is and what it entails.

The company's strengths are those areas in which it is successfully meeting set targets. Needless to say, these should be maintained as much as possible and improved upon whenever possible. Some factors contributing to these strengths may include productive employees and a constant supply of quality supplies at modest prices from certain suppliers.

Such aspects will have a direct impact on the firm's profits. In order to sustain such positive features it is important to act properly. For example, if you know that employees are motivated, it will pay to encourage them even further. This can be done by offering rewards or fringe benefits to make them even happier.

Apart from keeping an eye on such positive elements it is indispensable to take care of negative aspects, that is the firm's weaknesses. These can be identified by any alerts, dissatisfied employees, or through meetings. Employee surveys are another useful way of uncovering such weaknesses.

The quicker steps are taken to overcome these shortcomings, the quicker the company will be in operating more proficiently. This is done through organizational changes which will help the company achieve this.

Carrying out regular assessments is very important. These should be supported by a sound communication structure throughout the firm. Hence, meetings, workshops and group work are important. The workers need to feel that their suggestions and comments are being listened to and valued.

Interviews with employees are also helpful. Moreover, employee surveys should be carried out from time to time so as to encourage workers to show their views on different areas of the firm, their work environment and any other comments which they would like to make.

Management should then go through such answers carefully so as to ascertain any tips, alerts and suggestions which need to be given additional attention. This will lead to a better understanding of the business' weaknesses, and areas where corrective action should be taken. Ultimately, organizational assessments will lead to a better firm if they are carried out properly.




About the Author: