McKinsey 7S Framework

The 7-S Framework is a model geared to improve the effectiveness of a company, and assess its current success. Its elements consist on shared values, strategy, systems, structure, style, skills and staff. They can be divided into hard elements and soft elements. On one hand, “hard elements are easier to identify and management can deireclty influence them” (Midntools). On the other, “soft elements can be more difficult to describe, and less tangible” (Mindtools).

The 7-S Framework focuses on coordination rather than on structure, and highlights seven elements that “influence an organizations ability to change. The lack of hierarchy among these factors suggest that significant progress in one part of the organization will be difficult without working on the others” (McKinsey Quarterly, 2008). The framework was developed on 1980 by Tom Peters and Robert Waterman.

Hard Elements:

Systems

Structure

Strategy

Soft:

Style

Skills

Staff

Shared Values

According to Strategic management Insight (2013), theses are the steps that should be undertaken in order to truly seize this model:

1) “ Identify the areas that are not effectively aligned

2) Determine the optimal organization design

3) Decide where and what changes should be made

4) Make the necessary changes

5) Continuously review the 7s” (Strategic Management Insight, 2013).

Works Cited:

“Enduring Ideas: The 7-S Framework” McKinsey Quarterly. March 2008.http://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/enduring-ideas-the-7-s-framework

MindTools Editorial team. “The McKinsey 7-S Framework” Mind Tools.https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newSTR_91.htm

“McKinsey 7S Model” Strategic Management Insight. Dec 20, 2013.https://www.strategicmanagementinsight.com/tools/mckinsey-7s-model-framework.html