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  • 1.  Assessment tools

    Posted 10-09-1997 13:16
    Kathleen Brown asked:

    <snip>The first task is to assess the needs of the division of development
    and training and that
    >of the department of human resources. I have some resources to which to
    >turn to identify an appropriate assessment tool and am also asking for
    >resources from members of these lists. Are there particular tools that
    you
    >have found useful and/or particular sources on the internet that you would
    >recommend I explore? <snip>

    One of the most powerful tools I've come across and used, for assessment is
    Corporate Pulse. What makes the tool interesting is the way it helps one
    differentiate the organization's needs. Individual, Social and
    Organizational are three of the categories that are considered. The power
    here is partly in the strength of not misdiagnosing needs. For example, If
    the data says people aren't doing the desired behavior because of Social
    Motivation reasons then why would skills training be needed? A good example
    of this occurred once in a machining plant where Leadership requested SPC
    skills training for operators. Operators weren't keeping the production
    data from each shift (desired behavior) leadership assumed that operators
    didn't have the ability to do SPC charts etc. Corporate Pulse helped me
    demonstrate to leaders that a lack of Individual Ability wasn't the problem
    and, that Social Motivation was the problem. Some operators made fun of
    other operators when they did the (requested behavior) SPC charts. In fact,
    a large percentage of the operators had the Individual ability and
    motivation to do the charts but didn't because of social pressure-they
    wanted to fit-in or, be accepted. Corporate Pulse and its 6-cell model
    demonstrated to leadership the type of intervention needed.

    I have an article that explains in detail, Corporate Pulse and the 6-Cell
    model for those with interest. This article can be attached to an
    e-mail-please specify the brand and version of word processor on your
    system.

    Mike Thomas
    Pathway Learning
    "The Path to Organizational Vitality"
    Pensacola, Florida
    1-850-435-1000