Effective Organizations Implementation, Term Paper Example

During the present day, organizations from health care to banking are searching for ways to increase productivity and decrease turnover. This has proven to be effective by employing information as a marketable company asset (IBM, 2008). If used correctly, information may be used to differentiate between companies and this can prove quite competitive in today’s marketplace. This paper hopes to further investigate the relationship between the agenda of IT and organizational strategies as well as inform an individual about the components that make up an effective IT organization.

The problem with the relationship between organizational strategies and an IT agenda is the consistency and validity of information (IBM, 2008). When the information needed for a company is out of date or not valid, the entire organization suffers because of various demands. If information is in order, the company may run efficiently and productivity is optimized. Companies and overall organizational structures benefit from this. Ultimately, a company desires to have the relationship between the IT agenda and organizational strategy aligned by somehow bridging them into one single framework and consistently examining the goals, objectives, and focus of the company to ensure that all of these remain in the vision of what the company hopes to accomplish (IBM, 2008).

If an organization does not develop an IT agenda correctly, it will risk having its resources misdirected into other locations rather than where they should be. These diversions would cause a hindrance to the development of certain areas in the organization and can affect the future of the overall organization and expansion of the organization. Also, an incorrect IT agenda will cause an incorrect budget and this will further hurt the organization because of financial reasons (IBM, 2008).

Many times the IT agenda is adapted directly from the organizational strategy. Thus, the existence of the relationship between the two. Normally the organizational strategy is developed and the IT agenda follows because it is mainly concerned with the application of the organizational strategy and how best to implement this strategy for the good of patients and personnel (IBM, 2008). Likewise, if an organization wishes to improve upon its IT agenda, the company will indirectly improve its organizational strategy as a result (Glaser, 2005).

Examples of this relationship could be medication administration to patients. In the past, medications have been administered to patients and the nurses have reported back to a central area to document this administration. Because of improvements in an organizational strategy to help with better workflow and an IT agenda to enhance computer applications, both options are used to achieve the same end result: a barcoded device or some sort of system to allow for a smoother flow of medication administration via upgrades in modern computer technology (Glaser, 2005).

There are crucial components that make up an effective IT organization. First, and foremost, is teamwork. This is the key to the success of any business or organization and the failure of teamwork will ensure the failure of any organization (Slechta). A positive environment will bring energy to an entire organization just as a negative environment will be draining to everyone and everything around it. The essential tool for providing an effective IT organization is to attract and keep the right team members. As stated previously, marketability is vital to today’s business society and will ensure the success or demise of any organization… big or small (Slechta).

In order to provide the components for an effective IT organization, one must ensure the climate of the organization is positive, vital, and inviting. There should be room for personal and team growth. There should be room for individuality as far as creativity is concerned, but there should also be a structured environment in regards to the focus of the group and the mission of the organization, as previously mentioned. Recognition is also important in an effective IT organization because it will promote the overall success of the organization by promoting individuals’ accomplishments, thus promoting the group as a whole (Slechta). There should also be constant challenges for the individuals so there are positive motivating circumstances that will help fulfill the needs of the individuals as far as individual and team growth is concerned. This will benefit the organization as well (Slechta).

Another component of an effective IT organization is the implementation of standards. These standards would be the procedures that the employees used to handle specific projects or tasks and how the employees would go about troubleshooting the tasks if something did not go according to protocol. It is important that every employee be on the same page, so to speak, in order for the organization to function effectively and efficiently. This will lead to a higher level of output and a better level of communication from the administration through every department including every employee involved (IBM, 2008).

Yet another component of an effective IT organization is transparency and communication. As stated above, without effective communication and transfer of information, there is inevitably going to be a problem. It is vital for any organization to find a method that works for their company in regards to the way information is disseminated throughout the organization and use that method in order for every employee to understand the daily processes and other important aspects of information and changes so that there are no opportunities for miscommunication (Glaser, 2005). This will ensure transparency, respect, and a focus on the overall mission of the IT organization. It will also serve to keep the employees and the entire organization positively motived on what it requires to meet the long term goals of the IT organization and the organizational agenda.

Every organization is different and, because of these differences, each organization will be operated in a different way. This is not necessarily a negative aspect; rather, it can be look at as a positive one because it differentiates one organization from another and serves to provide opportunities for one organization to learn from the successes and mistakes from another organization. This will effectively help organizations meet their goals and remain focused on what is important to the mission of their respective companies. When the IT organizations are concerned, there is not a large difference as opposed to another branch of business. The focus is more on computer and technology rather than banking or another such entity. The main mission and objectives remain however. Goals, visions, and what it takes to meet these demands are the driving factors of every organization’s agenda.

References

Glaser, J. (2005). Information technology strategy: Three misconceptions. In K. Lee, F. Wickham, & J. Glaser, Managing health care information systems: A practical approach for health care executives. New York: Jossey-Bass.

IBM. (2008). Informational agenda: Do you have one? Armonk: IBM Global Services.

Slechta, R. (n.d.). Teamwork: Components of an effective team. Waco: Leadership Management International.