Useofthe7SModelonVirginAirlines

1、EVALUATION OF VIRGIN GROUP ACCORDING TO THE 7-S MODEL.According to Waterman and others, 7-s model is a framework for change identifying seven key factors that adversely affect change in an organization. Virgin Group can be analyzed according to this model as follows:1. STAFFThe staff of Virgin Group

2、 is highly motivated. Richard Branson, the owner of the group serves as a good example to the employees as he leads by example by not living an extravagant life which may make the employees emulate him hence losing focus. There is a communication system in the company which increases transparency. T

3、he hiring system also relies on empowering the employees. This makes them feel appreciated and will make them work hard towards attaining their own set objectives. The fact that Virgin offices are extremely informal may make employees increase their productivity as they feel atwhile at work. Branson

4、 has broken the operations down into smaller companies of between 50 and 100 people. Each company occupies separate offices and employees take ownership of their own company. This will make employees be proactive in their work and b-e goal oriented. However, this may challenging as the employees can

5、 deviate from the company goals.2. STRUCTUREVirginGroup is a collection of different companies in different industries and this can be a bit challenging when it comes to management. The Group has more than 100 companies in 15 countries which deal in products ranging from airplane services, sell of C

6、Ds, videos, games, publishing, hotel chains to a model agency among others. This calls for an efficient structure to ensure that the different companies are run effectively. Branson has broken operations down into small companies of between 50 and 100 people with each company occupying separate offi

7、ces. This will lead to delegation of duties and specialization which will make work more efficient. The structure Branson relies on entails his heavy involvement which he does by taking a hands-on approach. Virgin offices are also informal creating a good environment for employees to work in.3. STRA

8、TEGYBranson s business strategy places him at the forefront as the companys most effectimarketing tool. He is described by London analyst as an underdog and an actorthe most of publicity through headline-grabbing adventures such as crossing the Atlantic Ocean by speedboat and balloon. This is essent

9、ial for his business to grow and attract more customers. Such ventures have served to define Virginization s organculture. This has enabled the company to compete effectively with its competitors.4. SYSTEMSThe system within the company is very supportive of empowerment. For instance, throughthe stro

10、ng communication system, budgeting is explained to employee, with daily graphs that display performance by area in comparison to area budgets. They also have a strong hiring system which relies on the empowerment of employees. This system ensures that employees take responsibility of their work.5. S

11、TYLEBranson as the owner of Virgin Group has taken a hands-on approach in managing his business empire. This will enable him have a first hand experience of how the market is reacting to the various strategies implemented. Involvement of the company in headlinegabbing adventures may serve to increas

12、e the publicity of the company. The fact that Virgin offices are informal and that employees are allowed to dress casually may also be a big motivation to the employees as they enjoy doing their jobs. This style may however be difficult to maintain as it calls for a lot of involvement by the owner.6

13、. SKILLSVirgin Group deals in products which are rapidly changing and operates in volatile industries which require high skills and heavy involvement. Bransonrespects his employees and leads them by example. He has also developed systems which are very supportive of empowerment. Junior employees are

14、 at times even allowed to hire their replacements. This will make employees have a sense of belonging. Virgin offices are also informal making employees comfortable as they undertake their duties. The fact that operations are broken into smaller companies of 50 to 100 people may also serve to enhanc

15、e skills as the employees in the various companies work hard to attain their targets. However, Virgin Group does not have an elaborate skill development program as employees are let to set goals and work on their own.7. SUPERORDINATE GOALSBranson s ambition is not to build the biggest company in the

16、 world but to find contenetmnt in what he does. He has set optimal goals which he has passed on to his employees by leading them by example. His emphasis on the airline industry has seen his company survive through tough times despite unfair competition from other major players in that industry.Q2.

17、THE MOST PROMINENT FEATURES OF THE 7-S MODEL AT VIRGIN.The most prominent features of the model at Virgin is the way the group has been able to combine all the seven factors to make a stable and growing company. The strongand unique organization culture has served to define its strategy, systems and

18、 style. Virgin Group includes companies from different sectors and their effective running is essential for sustainability.One of the most prominent features is the unique structure Branson has adopted. With such a big empire in different countries, one needs a strong structure to manage effectively

19、. His hand-on approach has helped strengthen the empire. The style also stands out as one of the prominent factor in the success of Virgin. Employees have a sense of belonging.The unique systems at Virgin which are supportive of empowerment also serve to enhance the survival of the empire as employe

20、es are empowered.Q3. THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF BRANSON S STRATEGYBranson has been described by a London analyst as the greatest underdog and an actorOne of his strategies is keeping his airline business in the public eye. He does this through various ways such as being involved in headline-grab

21、bing adventures such as crossing the Atlantic Ocean by speedboat and balloon. This ensures that he retains his customers and attracts new ones hence increasing his empire.His hands-on approach enables him know customer needs directly and gives him a chance to talk to them abouttheir experience and t

22、heir needs.He also places a lot of emphasis on employees and the enhancement of their performance.This is through the supportive environment for empowerment. This strategy has served to boost the morale of employees as they take charge of their on work.Q4. WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY IF A RAN VIRGIN.First, I would set up a mechanism where the different companies in the different countries report to one entity on a frequent basis in order to analyze their performance and know which