Ten Dimensions of Organizational Health
The Ten Dimensions of Organizational Health grew out of research into the conditions that allow organizations to function effectively, adapt to change, and achieve their goals. Originally defined by Dr. Matthew Miles, these dimensions provided a conceptual understanding of organizational health across three areas: task-centered conditions, internal organizational conditions, and the capacity for growth and change. Building on that foundation, Dr. Marvin Fairman and his research team developed operational definitions that made these conditions measurable, leading to the creation of the Organizational Health Instrument. Refined through decades of research and practical application, the Ten Dimensions became the diagnostic foundation of the Organizational Health process, helping leaders see beyond individual behaviors and isolated problems to understand the underlying conditions that influence organizational performance and sustained improvement.
GOAL FOCUS
Goal Focus is the ability of persons, groups, or organizations to have clarity, acceptance, support, internalization, and advocacy of goals and objectives.
COMMUNICATION ADEQUACY
Communication Adequacy exists when information is relatively distortion free and travels both vertically and horizontally across the boundaries of an organization.
OPTIMAL POWER EQUALIZATION
Optimal Power Equalization is the ability to maintain a relatively equitable distribution of influence between leaders and team members.
RESOURCE UTILIZATION
Resource Utilization is the ability to coordinate and maintain inputs, particularly personnel, effectively with a minimal sense of strain.
COHESIVENESS
Cohesiveness is the state when persons, groups, or organizations have a clear sense of identity. Members feel attracted to membership in an organization. They want to stay with it, be influenced by it, and exert their own influence within it.
MORALE
Morale is that state in which a person, group, or organization has feelings of well-being, satisfaction, and pleasure.
INNOVATIVENESS
Innovativeness is that ability to be and allow others to be inventive, diverse, creative, and risk taking.
AUTONOMY
Autonomy is that state in which a person, group or organization has the freedom to fulfill their roles and responsibilities.
ADAPTATION
Adaptation is that ability to tolerate stress and maintain stability while coping with the demands of the environment.
PROBLEM SOLVING ADEQUACY
Problem-solving Adequacy is an organization's ability to perceive problems and solve them with minimal energy. The problems stay solved and the problem-solving mechanism of the organization is maintained and/or strengthened.