What is an Organisational Interface Map?

An organisational interface map reveals the informal and the formal networks using the business unit or organisation as the unit of analysis. It allows them to be evaluated, measured and supported. Organisational interface maps provide a powerful way to understand how work is actually done, both internally and externally to the organisational. Specifically an organisational interface map can be used at the level of departments or organisations to:

• Accelerate the flow of information and knowledge across functional and organisational boundaries by detecting and correcting information bottlenecks. 
• Identify opportunities for intra-departmental knowledge flow improvements. 
• Improve decision making in senior leadership and middle-management networks by mapping intra-organisational dependencies. 
• Assess business operations by mapping communication and process integration following a restructure or reorganisation.

How is Organisational Interface Mapping Done?

The broad generic process is as follows.

Determine the Unit of Analysis. This is arguably the most important step, as it determines how data is collected and which tools and analysis techniques should be employed.

Determine the Questions. A typical question statement is:

Please identify up to 10 people who work in external departments and who are important to you in your professional network. These can be people who provide you with information to do your work, help you think about complex problems posed by your work, or provide developmental advice or personal support helpful in your day-to-day working life. These may or may not be people you communicate with on a regular basis and must come from an organisation external to yours.

Collect the Data. Typically a series of questions are asked using a survey technique. Data collection can also be done using data-mining techniques. For example intra-departmental e-mail traffic could be mined.

Import the Data into a Visualisation Tool. HolisTech® uses one or more of four propriety visualisation tools depending on the requirement. Each tool has specific uses and limitations.

Analyse the Data. In addition to the visualisation tools HolisTech® uses several analysis tools.

Act on the Data. Acting on the data is up to you! Please e-mail or ring us if you want to know more.