Cultural variables are interdependent.  An organization is a fruit salad of systems, structures, processes, beliefs, values, attitudes, and capabilities. Here is an example of a client’s summary results. 

The Engaging Change^TM survey results are summarized in eight areas.  The survey actually collects information on the 17 variables known to affect financial results.  About 50 multiple choice questions provide the raw data.  Of course, statistically verifiably bad data is removed  After viewing the summary, we dive down into the details, where there are weaknesses.  I prefer to work through top down, then bottom up.  In other words, I see the big picture from the 8 areas, and then look at the summaries of all the individual questions.  I then look at different combinations of questions, the 17 variables, to look for interesting patterns that aid my understanding of the organization. 

By the way, before anyone takes the survey, I’ve already interviewed the leaders one-on-one using a structured questionnaire.  When I’m looking at survey results, I’m matching the numbers with the content of interviews.  (I’ll cover the content and value of the structured interview in another blog.)  The interviews are quite different from the surveys, however, since the context is the same, it’s the same organization, common themes run through both instruments.

Sometimes it’s useful to combine the variables into different patterns.  Here are some examples.

Of course be careful, don’t overanalyze. It’s only one moment in time. If you want to change the past (and survey data represents the past), create a new future.  Remember, an organization is a fruit salad of systems, structures, processes, beliefs, values, attitudes, and capabilities. Don’t mistake the menu for the meal.  The map is not the territory.  Use the data wisely.

Keywords: Culture assessment, culture survey, change leadership, organizational assessment, culture tune up^TM,

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Michael Cushman, The Engaging Guru, wants you to master enrolling others in your truth, get the goodies of life, and change the world.  www.engagingchange.com