Open organizations

the long version

Open Organizations offers a fresh view of the possibilities for developing flexible, creative, and productive organizations by providing a powerful model for organizational change. Based on extensive research and grounded in the authors' years of experience in consulting with organizations in manufacturing, finance, high technology, public service, and other areas, the book describes the characteristics of an open organization and offers a practical, multidimensional work model for organization consultants, human resource professionals, and managers committed to organizational openness and continuous improvement in both business and nonprofit organizations. The authors provide a diagnostic guide for assessing and implementing change - from identifying sources of imbalance in an organization to defining the change to take place and evaluating its results. Using illustrations from actual in-depth case studies of such companies as The Travelers Insurance Company and Precision Grinding and Manufacturing at the organization, group, and individual levels, Open Organizations details specific methods of assessment, program development, and program evaluation. And it provides a wealth of practical tools, instruments, and approaches for applying the Open Organization Model to any situation.