Discussion: The 7 S Model

As a business leader, you would likely utilize a variety of theories, models, and applications in order to create a comprehensive approach to business strategy planning. Consider the following scenario:

You are working with a department that has decided to incorporate the 7 S Model to enact change within the organization. As a business leader, you are to evaluate this model within a proposal, including potential benefits and examples of effective implementation.

To prepare for this Discussion, review the section entitled “Alignment: The 7 S Model” on pages 239–244 in Dyer, Godfrey, Jensen, and Bryce (2016) and consider which components of the model might be the most beneficial in executing change within an organization. You may also want to utilize the Walden Library to identify scholarly examples of implementing the 7 S Model in professional contexts.

By Day 3

Post an evaluation of the 7 S Model as a tool for planning and executing change with an organization. Your evaluation should include the following:

• A description of the value of each step within the 7 S model to implementing change with the organization, including at least one supportive example
• An analysis of which one or two specific component(s) of the 7 S Model could be most helpful from a change management perspective, including at least one supportive example
• An explanation for which specific component(s) of the 7 S Model could be most challenging when implementing organizational change, including at least one supportive example

Be sure to support your work with a minimum of two specific APA citations from this week’s Learning Resources and at least one additional scholarly source.

Refer to the Week 4 Discussion Rubric for specific grading elements and criteria. Your Instructor will use this rubric to assess your work.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

By Day 5

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Compare your initial posting with that of your colleague, including insights on the 7 S Model’s use for executing change within an organization.
• In what ways do you agree or disagree with your colleague on the value of the 7 S Model components, and how can this enhance or expand on your understanding of strategic planning?
• Provide a suggestion for an additional alternative for using the 7 S Model to execute change to better support your colleague’s posting, including a rationale for your suggestion.

Please note that, for each response, you must include a minimum of one appropriately cited scholarly reference.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what insights you gained as a result of reading the comments your colleagues made.

Required Readings

Dyer, J. H., Godfrey, P., Jensen, R., & Bryce, D. (2016). Strategic management: Concepts and tools for creating real world strategy. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

• Chapter 12: “Implementing Strategy” (pp. 236–255)
• Case 07: “Nike: Sourcing and Strategy in Athletic Footwear” (pp. C-62–C-69)
• Case 08: “AT&T and Apple: A Strategic Alliance” (pp. C-70–C-81)
• Case 10: “New Business Models: Netflix, Redbox, Hulu, and Others in Home Movie Entertainment” (pp. C-92–C-100)
• Case 11: “Smartphone Wars” (pp. C-101–C-111)

Buller, P. F., & McEvoy, G. M. (2012). Strategy, human resource management and performance: Sharpening line of sight. Human Resource Management Review, 22(1), 43–56. doi:10.1016/j.hrmr.2011.11.002
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Chen, Y., Yu, Z., & Lin, T. W. (2015). How Zysco uses the balanced scorecard. Strategic Finance, 97(1), 27–36. Retrieved from http://www.imanet.org/resources-publications/strat…
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Peters, T. (2011). McKinsey 7-S model. Leadership Excellence Essentials, 28(10), 7. Retrieved from http://www.hr.com/en/topleaders/top_leaders_in_lea…
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.