Tool 126: Organization Readiness Chart

AKA

Capability Assessment Chart

Classification

Changing/Implementing (CI)

Tool description

The organization readiness chart is used by planning committees or research teams to verify that the organization is ready and capable of implementing a major change effort. The chart requires open communication and analysis in order to be an effective planning tool.

Typical application

• To verify an organization's readiness and capability for planned change.

• To identify preliminary tasks that need to be accomplished to ensure success.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
→	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
2	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
3	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Data Collection Strategy

• Venn Diagram

• Organization Mapping

• Two-Dimensional Survey Grid

• Markov Analysis

after

• SWOT analysis

• Action Plan

• Resource Requirements Matrix

• Barriers-and-Aids Analysis

• Problem Specification

Notes and key points

• The readiness scale is a recommendation only. Teams should adjust thresholds as desired.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The planning committee or research team openly discusses the readiness of the organization. See example Ready for self-Directed Work Teams?

• STEP 2 All meeting participants fill in the chart, calculate a total score, and return the chart to the team facilitator.

• STEP 3 A flip chart is used to record all total scores and "high concern" scores that may indicate problem areas or opportunities for improvement.

• STEP 4 Following the display of scores, additional discussion takes place for the purpose of formulating required action.

• STEP 5 Charts are dated and saved for future reference.

Example of tool application

Ready for Self-Directed Work Teams?	Date: xx/xx/xx
Mark "0" for No Concern "2" for Some Concern "4" for High Concern
___A supportive climate in the organization ___Ongoing commitment to total quality management ___Active employee involvement is evident ___Employee share in the decision-making process ___Management's guidance and expectation for teams (at start-up) ___Supervisory staff's attitude toward teaming ___Rewards and recognition for teams ___Resource commitment (financial, facilities, equipment) ___Organizational constraints (personnel, budget, priorities) ___Consultation and evaluation support is available ___Communication channels (interfacing, reporting, feedback) ___Training of team members (team dynamics, problem-solving tools) ___Commitment to team meeting schedules and action items ___Availability of administrative forms and procedures (for teams) ___Other________________________________________________ ___Total Score
Readiness Scale: 0–15 = ready to start; 16–30 = more preparation required; 31 = of lack of readiness