The Four Frames: Leadership Study Group

Stephan J. Macaluso (New Paltz)

Mark A. Smith (Alfred Ceramics)

Jill Dixon (Binghamton)

April Davies (Cobleskill)

Organizational Development

Four Frames Approach (Bolman and Deal)

• Structural Frame (machine)• Human Resource Frame (families)• Political Frame (jungles)• Symbolic Frame (theater)

Gallos, J. (2007). Reframing Complexity: A Four-Dimensional Approach to Organizational Diagnosis, Development and Change. In J.V. Gallos (Ed.), Organizational Development: A Jossey-Bass Reader. Retrieved from http://www.joangallos.com/chapters-articles/.

What kind of leader are you?

Leading in the Structural Frame

Key Concept:

Organizational problems originate from

inappropriate structures or inadequate systems

and can be resolved through restructuring or

developing new systems.

Requires:

Rational / Logical Analysis

Clarity of Purpose

Clarity of Roles, Tasks & Relationships

Clarity in Rules / Policies

Establishing Hierarchical Accountability

Some Benefits:

Functional Inter-Dependence

Aligned Goals, Tasks, Technology & Environment

Appropriate Division of Labor

Mediates Tension between Individual & Organizational Priorities (“constrained by norms of rationality”)

Preventive Maintenance

Some Tools:

Lines of Authority (Org Chart)Rules/Policies

Standard Operating ProceduresInformation Systems

MeetingsFusing Lateral Relationships

Job DescriptionsEtc.

Key Assumption: Coordination and Control are Essential to Effectiveness

Why Think Structurally

Big Picture Clarity

Can Neutralize Conflict

It’s the Easiest Frame to Use!

Happier Staff!

Challenges

Can Inhibit Creativity/Innovation

Requires Clear Communication of Goals/Mission

Broad Shoulders & Rigid Consistency

Can be OVERPLAYED

Ya Give Me FeverSome Structural Considerations in Case Study

Clarity of Expectations ?• authority, role clarity• supervisory roles• employment criteria

Policies/Procedures ?• training/supervision• internal communication• user feedback loop

Alignment w/ External Structures ?• open Admissions Policy• budgeting Priorities• legal precedence?

Clarity of Mission ?• embedded alignment

w/institutional mission• clarity of own values• Responsiveness

Human Resources Frame

If you’re strong in this frame…• family, relationships, fit• catalyst, facilitator, open• listen, educate, empower• teamwork, communication, training

• romanticized view of human nature– no, we can’t all get along all the time

• trying so hard to keep us happy that problems are ignored or responsibility is abdicated

Bolman, L. G. & Deal, T. E. (2008). Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Human Resources Frame

If you’re weak in this frame…• untested assumptions

– he’s already made up his mind– she agrees with me

• avoidance– it will work itself out– it will be unpleasant– it’s a risk

Bolman, L. G. & Deal, T. E. (2008). Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Case Study – Yellow Fever

Analyzed through the HR frame… communication breakdown within the library frustrated, “insistent” customers unhappy employees, poor fit

ideas from the group/s meetings, walkabouts student advisory group training, mentoring/partnering, reassignment

Political Frame

Politics is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t.

- Winston Churchill

Source: http://www.finestquotes.com/select_quote-category-Office%20Politics-page-1.htm

Political Frame

• the workplace as a jungle• the workplace as strife with

power struggles• enduring and unavoidable

differences• a constant need to manage

conflict among individual and groups

• the importance of interest groups and the necessity to build coalitions

If you’re strong in this frame, you see…

Political Frame

Political Arenas• Office politics• Campus politics• SUNY / NYS politics

University politics are

vicious precisely because the stakes are so

small.- Henry Kissinger

Political Frame

If you are weak in this frame, you assume…• everyone has shared values, beliefs, and perceptions• resources are plentiful and readily available• organizations/people are uniform in goals and objectives• decisions only emerge from the top-down• power conflicts can be avoided• networking is not necessary

Case Study – Yellow Fever

Analyzed through the political frame…• Delegation of students have power and an agenda

• Issue is very important to student delegation

• Possibility of conflict expanding beyond library

• Staff communication issues and internal politics

Case Study – Yellow FeverNext steps through the political frame…• Begin a fact finding mission

• Set an clear agenda for resolving issue with detailed strategy and timeline

• Build and formalize a coalition with students / student groups to deal with any future issues

• Work with staff on understanding library and campus mission and goals