At its core, a healthy organization exists to serve a purpose beyond itself. This purpose drives its actions,
fosters growth, and allows it to contribute meaningfully to its customers and the society as a whole. A
healthy organization demonstrates both effectiveness (doing the right things) and efficiency (doing
things right) in fulfilling its purpose, both in the present and for the foreseeable future.
Signs of an Unhealthy Organization: When Serving Becomes Self-Serving
An unhealthy organization loses sight of its original purpose. Here are some signs to watch for:
● Profit as the Sole Motive: While financial sustainability is important, profit becomes unhealthy
when it becomes the sole reason for existence.
● Bureaucracy Takes Over: Unhealthy organizations become bogged down in rules and procedures,
stifling innovation and flexibility.
● Focus Shifts from “Why” to “How”: Healthy organizations focus on clear goals and purpose, while
unhealthy ones get wrapped up in micromanaging tasks and processes.
● Emphasis on Risk Aversion: A fear of failure replaces the willingness to take calculated risks
essential for growth.
● Internal Focus: Healthy organizations are outward-looking, adapting to meet external needs.
Unhealthy ones become inward-looking, focused solely on their own survival.
Diagnosing and Treating the “Organizational Illness”
Just like physical ailments, organizational illnesses have recognizable symptoms. However, there’s no
one-size-fits-all cure. Here’s how to approach healing:
● Accurate Diagnosis: Understanding the root cause of the problem is crucial. Several tools and
techniques can be employed to diagnose the specific issues hindering the organization.
● Tailored Treatments: Depending on the diagnosis, specific interventions can be implemented.
These might include cultural shifts, structural changes, revised management processes, or
adjustments in operational functions.
● Recognizing the Problem: The first step is acknowledging that something is wrong. Only then can a
plan for improvement be developed.
The Road to Recovery
By recognizing the signs of an unhealthy organization and taking proactive measures, it’s possible to
restore its purpose and vitality. The key lies in creating a culture of continuous improvement, where
innovation and adaptability are valued alongside efficiency.
