Dear friends,
In some another forum a query was raised on what is organisation's DNA. I am forwarding my reply on this forum.
+++++
Dear friends,
There is a query on organisational DNA. Let me clarify it from my side.
The concept of DNA used here is to denote a blood quality. When a particular activity is done generation after generation, certain skills are developed naturally. No special training is required to develop these. In Indian context, various communities like weaver, blacksmith etc. developed their innate skills.
Organisational DNA is developed when over a period a typical quality is developed. Take the case of Google. Sooner Apple launched its first iPhone in 2007, within just 10 months Google came up with Android OS for the mobiles. Only Google could have achieved this feat and no one else. In contrast, Nokia, though a well-established mobile manufacturer, could not come up with any phone that can match iPhone even after five years of its launch.
So what is the difference between Google and Nokia? Response of Google originated from their culture of innovation that has become way of life for them. Therefore, we can say that innovation is in the DNA of Google. This DNA of innovation is originates from very high IQ level of its employees. It is often said that Google is not a company but a separate planet of brightest persons on the earth.
The another company that has innovation in their DNA is M3. The company always introduces newer products into the market. When they observe that they have sufficient competitors in the market, they just abandon the product and move on to next one. Therefore, introduction of newer products and taking first mover advantage is in DNA of M3.
Japanese companies are not known for innovation. Nevertheless, their ability to produce defect-free products is well known. Therefore, DNA of the Japanese companies is quality products.
Quality products apart, Japanese companies like Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) are also known for their operational efficiency. Therefore, acquiring cost leadership through operational efficiency is in the DNA of many of the Japanese companies. Teamwork is also is in the DNA of Japanese companies.
Sooner company’s name is uttered, what thought occurs to one’s mind in fraction of second reflects the DNA of that company. German companies are known for their strong and sturdy products. Strong emphasis on R and D is in the DNA of German companies. I do not know latest news, but one time Robert Bosch use to patent 10-15 products per day!
Organisation’s DNA is different from organisational culture. This is because culture has composite structure of too many concepts. While organisational culture can be studied, DNA cannot. Nevertheless, organisation’s DNA is produced from the organisation’s culture.
Take the case of Indian software companies. Most of them have very good organisational culture but then none could produce a world-class product. Be it Java or Dotnet or any other language, all are produced in USA. This is because Indian software companies were primarily service companies and doing they never thought of creating something new.
In India, L and T is famous for their ability to handle not just large but complex projects as well. Therefore, L and T’s DNA is complexity of the projects. Another organisation that merits mention is Mumbai’s Dabbawalas. These tiffin carriers have such a strong network that per day more than 200,000 containers containing home food are handled. It is heard that even six sigma is inadequate to measure their efficiency. Therefore, working in teams, networking is in the DNA of these Dabbawalas. They have achieved this feat without any formal training.
Hope I have clarified the concept of organisational DNA.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
+++++
Dinesh Divekar
Business Mentor, Consultant and Trainer
From India, Bangalore
7879In some another forum a query was raised on what is organisation's DNA. I am forwarding my reply on this forum.
+++++
Dear friends,
There is a query on organisational DNA. Let me clarify it from my side.
The concept of DNA used here is to denote a blood quality. When a particular activity is done generation after generation, certain skills are developed naturally. No special training is required to develop these. In Indian context, various communities like weaver, blacksmith etc. developed their innate skills.
Organisational DNA is developed when over a period a typical quality is developed. Take the case of Google. Sooner Apple launched its first iPhone in 2007, within just 10 months Google came up with Android OS for the mobiles. Only Google could have achieved this feat and no one else. In contrast, Nokia, though a well-established mobile manufacturer, could not come up with any phone that can match iPhone even after five years of its launch.
So what is the difference between Google and Nokia? Response of Google originated from their culture of innovation that has become way of life for them. Therefore, we can say that innovation is in the DNA of Google. This DNA of innovation is originates from very high IQ level of its employees. It is often said that Google is not a company but a separate planet of brightest persons on the earth.
The another company that has innovation in their DNA is M3. The company always introduces newer products into the market. When they observe that they have sufficient competitors in the market, they just abandon the product and move on to next one. Therefore, introduction of newer products and taking first mover advantage is in DNA of M3.
Japanese companies are not known for innovation. Nevertheless, their ability to produce defect-free products is well known. Therefore, DNA of the Japanese companies is quality products.
Quality products apart, Japanese companies like Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) are also known for their operational efficiency. Therefore, acquiring cost leadership through operational efficiency is in the DNA of many of the Japanese companies. Teamwork is also is in the DNA of Japanese companies.
Sooner company’s name is uttered, what thought occurs to one’s mind in fraction of second reflects the DNA of that company. German companies are known for their strong and sturdy products. Strong emphasis on R and D is in the DNA of German companies. I do not know latest news, but one time Robert Bosch use to patent 10-15 products per day!
Organisation’s DNA is different from organisational culture. This is because culture has composite structure of too many concepts. While organisational culture can be studied, DNA cannot. Nevertheless, organisation’s DNA is produced from the organisation’s culture.
Take the case of Indian software companies. Most of them have very good organisational culture but then none could produce a world-class product. Be it Java or Dotnet or any other language, all are produced in USA. This is because Indian software companies were primarily service companies and doing they never thought of creating something new.
In India, L and T is famous for their ability to handle not just large but complex projects as well. Therefore, L and T’s DNA is complexity of the projects. Another organisation that merits mention is Mumbai’s Dabbawalas. These tiffin carriers have such a strong network that per day more than 200,000 containers containing home food are handled. It is heard that even six sigma is inadequate to measure their efficiency. Therefore, working in teams, networking is in the DNA of these Dabbawalas. They have achieved this feat without any formal training.
Hope I have clarified the concept of organisational DNA.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
+++++
Dinesh Divekar
Business Mentor, Consultant and Trainer
From India, Bangalore
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