Understanding Organizational Dysfunction: The Importance of Workplace Assessments - Introduction

Organizations face numerous challenges that may hinder their optimal functioning, particularly in today's complex working environments. Although external factors such as the worldwide pandemic, fluctuation of global economic markets and environmental issues may contribute to organizational dysfunction, internal factors, especially the human resources aspects, require in-depth inquiry, assessment, and investigation. Leaders commonly use a strategic tool called a workplace assessment to diagnose the root of organizational unrest following disruptive signs such as high employee turnover, persistent rumours, complaints, and grievances. Frequently characterised as taking the “pulse” of the organization, external consultants often lead this assessment, collecting information by interviewing and surveying an organization's unit/sub-group employees to uncover any underlying issues or problems.

Why is the organization functioning sub-optimally?

Organizations aim to achieve specific goals, but they may fail to function properly due to various reasons. Some of the common reasons I see in my practice include ineffective leadership, poor communication, lack of teamwork, inadequate resources, unclear goals, unproductive work culture, resistance to change, and external factors such as economic downturns or technological disruptions. These issues can negatively affect the entire organization, leading to low morale, decreased productivity, higher turnover rates, and ultimately, a decline in organizational performance. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to identify and address these issues to ensure they function effectively and achieve their desired outcomes.

Investigating the human resources or behavioural aspects of organizational dysfunction is critical because it helps identify the root cause of the problem. This can range from issues with employee turnover, low morale, high absenteeism rates, communication, and leadership problems. By understanding the underlying issues, organizations can take steps to address them, resulting in significant improvements in employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational performance. Investigating these aspects can also help create a more positive workplace culture that is supportive of employees, where everyone feels valued and respected. Ultimately, by comprehensively uncovering issues and challenges, organizations can create a more successful and sustainable workplace while fostering a positive and supportive environment for their employees.

Organizations face various challenges that may hinder their optimal functioning. Workplace assessments are a strategic tool to diagnose the root of organizational unrest. As a workplace consultant performing workplace assessments, I repeatedly uncover a myriad of issues and unbalance, often interrelated and entwined, identifying key themes. Mayer (2012) stated, "If we can understand and locate the sources of conflict, we can create a map to guide us through the conflict process."[1] Given the signs of unrest, organizations become divided by gossip, which attacks a healthy culture and results in high levels of mistrust, employee withdrawal, increased conflicts, low morale, and low productivity.

Workplace assessments are crucial for identifying and addressing issues that affect employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational performance. By understanding the root cause of the problem and creating a supportive workplace culture, organizations can create a more successful and sustainable workplace.

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[1]Mayer, Bernard (2012). The Dynamics of Conflict: A Guide to Engagement and Intervention (Second edition.). In Macfarlane, J., Manwaring, J., Zweibel, E., Daimsis, A., Kleefeld, J., & Pavlović, M. (2016). Dispute resolution: readings and case studies (Fourth edition.). Emond Montgomery Publications. P. 14.