Readiness Assessment Test 3: Open Systems model

On the 26th we kick off the Open Systems Model with our third and last graded readiness assessment test. Recall that the open systems model is symbolized by the amoeba, indicating an emphasis on responses to the demands of a changing environment. Within the open systems model, we'll examine two management roles: the broker and the innovator.

The broker model is about how to represent your interests to others effectively, both at the individual and organizational levels. We will look at two competencies within the broker model, competency 1, building and maintaining a power base, and competency 2, negotiating agreement and commitment.

We will look primarily at one competency within the innovator role, which focuses on how to deal with change personally as well as manage change in organizations. Here the competency will be 3, managing change, although we’ll draw a bit from 1 (living with change) too.

For the open systems model, I want you to understand the political context within which change efforts occur, and to build some brokering skills (influencing others and negotiating) so that you will be more effective change agents in your future work.

To that end, within the text, please review:

p. 292: Intro to broker role

pp. 294-302: Building and maintaining a power base

pp. 310-318: Negotiating agreement and commitment

pp. 336-337: Intro to the Innovator role (just through top of 337)

-- also, from competency 1:

p.339: I’m not interested in planned versus unplanned change, but just on why

people (both we and others) tend to resist change in general. For us, these

observations will help us understand how to manage change.

p. 341: Again, in order to manage change effectively, it will help you to think about how to help both yourself and others deal with change. These

principles really apply to both planned and unplanned change, so don’t

think of these as applying to just unplanned events.

pp. 363-370 Managing Change (starting after Adduci story)