An Introduction to Requisite Organisation (RO) and Levels of Work (LoW)
RO theory was developed by Dr Elliott Jaques who conducted more than 50 years of scientific research into the nature of work and people’s capacity for work. In 1964, he founded the School of Social Sciences (which later became BIOSS) at Brunel University, London and served as its Professor and Head of School.
RO theory proposes that most problems in organisations are caused by poor structure and systems and not deficient employees. Therefore, interventions which focus on fixing the organisation allow employees to be freed up to work to their full potential, increasing efficiency, effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
RO usually includes 3 change programs that are mutually reinforcing. These are:
- Making sure that we have the right people in the right roles doing the right work.
- The Business Operating Model, which is about making sure we are doing the right work at the right time in the right way
- Involving People – this is focused on making sure that we involve the right people in the right way to ensure we deliver the right outcome.
Requisite Organisation (RO) is one of the very few management systems and certainly the most researched and validated management system that links all aspects of a business to ensure:
- Right organisation structure,
- Right people,
- Right accountabilities,
- Right leadership practices.
Tools or processes that can be used to ensure the successful implementation of RO include:
- Nature of Work Reviews (NoW) – leading to the creation of the ‘right structure and accountabilities’
- Capability assessments – contributing to attaining the ‘right people’
- Tripod of Work and the Work Relationships Appreciation (WRA) – assisting with developing the ‘right leadership practices.’
Importantly, research has revealed that implementing RO effectively in organisations has led to:
- Increased profits of 30 to 200 percent, including 20 percent to 40 percent growth, cost reduction, and increased productivity and market share
- Improved customer relations
- Greater employee satisfaction and retention
For more information on RO, and Levels of Work email: edacenquiries@edacen.com