Organisational analyses

Organisational analysis is the interrogation of an organisation’s structures, systems and processes to determine its strengths and weaknesses.

The organisational analysis cannot be separated from the SWOT analysis process. The reason for performing an organisational analysis is to identify organisational strengths and weaknesses. The results of this process not only informs the enterprise risk management process, but also decision-making about objectives and strategies (the performance of the organisation). 

In the Organisational Analysis model that is applied on the excel-based template the following elements of an organisations and the processes taking place to determine and evaluate its performance will feature: 

1. Governance and decision-making

2. Organising (referring to the organisational structures and systems)

3. Management (referring to the processes and functions required to operate the organisation)

4. Resources (required to enable organisational activities)

The following organisational dimensions were considered during the design of the template: 

– Systemic strengths and weaknesses. The results of an organisational analysis are information made available to governance and management structures about the readiness of the organisation to achieve its goals and objectives. 

– Risk identification. An organisational objective enables the organisation to identify risks and risk drivers, based on a thorough analysis of organisational structures, systems, processes and resources. 

– Decision-making. The results of a thorough organisational analysis inform decision-makers in the organisation about the risk exposure of the organisation to its external environment, as well as to internal weaknesses. This enable these decision-makers to take informed decisions about the capacity of the organisation (and the various divisions and components thereof) to give practical effect to the organisational strategies (and therefore achieve goals and objectives). 

In terms of its macro design, the Organisational Analysis template follows this structure. Organisational efficiency, effectiveness and economy criteria that must be included in these analyses include: 

– The Corporate Governing Body 

– Oversight and Accountability arrangements 

– Reporting and normative governance guidelines 

– Strategy formulation and subsequent performance management, 

– ICT and institutional focus 

– Organisational structures, systems and process 

– Management processes: Planning, organising, leadership and control 

– Functional management structures and systems 

– The resources available to fund the organisation and perform activities required for achieving objectives, as well as the processes whereby these resources are managed.

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