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Introduction, Situation Analysis, Instructions, Technical Background

Case 24 Achieving Coordination in the Data Center

Setting: A High-Tech Multinational Company; Your Position: Chief Information Officer


You are the Chief Information/Technology Officer in a multinational company, which develops software and conducts projects for clients based on this software. You are manager of a group of professionals who are responsible for the smooth operation of the company's data center. Before being appointed to this job, you were a member of this group and are very familiar with the details of its operations. This data center provides services for the entire company. Any malfunction can cause a big potential loss.

This group is comprised of very talented people with many years of experience. While they are frequently referred to as the "System Team," they have not always functioned in the manner that this term implies. The skills that the team members possess are in high demand in the market, and you invest a lot of effort in keeping them happy within your group and within the company. Each one is protective of the components for which he or she is responsible and has strong views regarding what needs to be done in the other parts of the group.

During the last few weeks, several incidents have happened in which updates in system configuration files made by an individual have caused problems in other systems "owned" by members of the group. Those problems caused many people throughout the entire organization to lose precious working hours. Since the organization faces major project deliverables with strict deadlines, relationships with key clients may have been jeopardized.

It is clear to you that these problems cannot continue. Changes in work processes must be identified to more effectively coordinate team members and to restore the team's credibility to the rest of the organization. You believe that you have enough respect within the team to step in and make the necessary changes but worry about whether this would be best for the team in the long run. Despite their strong egos, you know that each team member would want to do what is best for the entire organization.

Your answer: Consult Group


Decision SignificanceHow important is the "quality" of the decision, i.e. to what extent does the decision have material, strategic impact on your clients or beneficiaries inside or outside of the organization. (click for details)   Group ExpertiseDoes the group collectively have the necessary knowledge to solve the problem and or make this decision? (click for details)
Importance of CommitmentTo what degree will the implementation of the decision require the support and cooperation of the group to be effective? (click for details)   Interaction ConstraintAre there time or geographic constraints which would prevent you from bringing the team together (physically or by telecom) to make the decision? (click for details)
Leader ExpertiseTo what extent do you, the leader, have the necessary knowledge to solve the problem or make this decision? (click for details)   Team Competence How competent is the group at working together as a team in solving problems or making decisions. The issue is not their factual or analytical technical knowledge, but rather their ability to work together synergistically. (click for details)
Likelihood of Commitment How likely is it that the group would accept your decision as the best course of action even though not included in the decision making process itself. (click for details)   Time/Dvpt PreferenceChoose the importance of time and development individually or use the values specified by either the Time or Development Driven model.(click for details)
Goal AlignmentTo what degree are the members of the group committed to the achievement of the oganization goals which are at stake in this decision? (click for details)      Value of TimeThe value of time varies with the number and intensity of other activities confronting you and your group. Considering your current workload, rate the value of time. (click for details)
Likelihood of DisagreementHow controversial is this decision likely to be among the members of the group? (click for details)      Value of DevelopmentHow important is it to you to develop the capabilities of your group or team, i.e. increasing their knowledge, their commitment to the organization, and their effectiveness in working together? (click for details)
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