Organizational diagnosis: the role of contagion groups

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for conducting an organizational assessment/diagnosis.

Design/methodology/approach

The model provides practitioners with a method to identify the breakdown(s) in the organizational system that is motivating a significant number of individuals to manifest dysfunctional organizational behaviors.

Findings

When organizational systems are dysfunction, stress levels increase among employees. Following increased stress, individuals create a contagion group that, if not addressed, can interfere with achieving the organization's mission.

Practical implications

The information is readily applied to real‐world settings for those who are facing dysfunction within organizations and has repeated been successful.

Originality/value

This paper provides a perspective on consulting with dysfunctional organizations that combines the expertise of psychologist and business consultants. It provides information to those in the working in the field and academics seeking new models to test.

Citation

Bissell, B.L. and Keim, J. (2008), "Organizational diagnosis: the role of contagion groups", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 16 No. 1/2, pp. 7-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/19348830810915460