Reference no: EM133595610

Problem

One of the first and possibly most difficult tasks a doctoral student undertakes is forming a research topic/question. In this week's discussion and throughout the course, you will develop a research question related to the readings. Feel free to align the research question with your research area of interest.

How sustainable is organizational agility?

In these and other ways, SNC-Lavalin's Atkins business has moved very quickly in the direction of greater agility while also producing solid results. The question is what happens next and how sustainable will organizational agility proves to be as the context continues to change? Nick's hope is that, whatever the future holds, the agile capability has become embedded and that the language and behavioral change will endure because people now see the reason why it is important. In future, he believes, when people have a problem they will say, 'we need to have an O&I call on this - we've got to collaborate on the solution'. As he says, by taking a values-based approach to change, 'what we've built is a level of resilience in the organization'. As for Nick himself, learning is a continual process that is key to both personal growth and organizational agility in our fast-changing world. He reflects: 'It's been an interesting journey. One day I'll stand back and might feel proud about it. Let's say that I'm pleased with what's been achieved in two and a half years.' To shift to a distributed leadership model requires strong conviction from senior leaders and a willingness to make fundamental changes within their organizations. Long-standing practices may need to be revisited and the current values of leaders and managers put under the spotlight. Other system elements must be reconsidered: What is rewarded within the organization? How are leaders selected? What consequences are there for leaders who don't live up to the desired values? This journey will not be an easy one, and there will be many forces that will fight the change. And yet the potential benefits of this approach are significant, as the case study below illustrates. It describes how one CEO stimulated the journey towards a positive culture of shared leadership and accountability, and for the study I am indebted to Andrew Lycett, CEO of RCT Homes, and to Sarah-Ellen Stacey, formerly HR and OD Director.

Using 1 of the topics covered in this week's readings in the Learning Activities folder, frame a research question you will pose to your faculty member and peers for feedback.

In a few sentences, provide supportive content for the background of the problem, propose a problem statement, and explain why the topic interests you.

Holbeche, L. (2018). Agile organization (2nd ed.). Kogan Page.