When thinking about advancing positive organizational change, I think of using the conceptual model of positive deviance to guide the efforts.

QUESTION

Review others’ question below and using your professional experience, provide an answer or related insights in 150 words.

When thinking about advancing positive organizational change, I think of using the conceptual model of positive deviance to guide the efforts. With the conceptual model of positive deviance, change agents look to those who have outcomes they want to achieve at their organization or within their department. This approach was taken by a group in a hospital organization when trying to eliminate MRSA from patient outcomes (Lindberg et al., 2009).

How could you apply the principles of positive deviance to a problem in your organization?

Cathy

Reference

Lindberg, C., Norstrand, P., Munger, M.T., DeMarsico, C. & Buscell, P. (2009). Letting go, gaining control: Positive deviance and MRSA prevention. Clinical Leader, 2(2), 60-67.

Lindberg-LettingGoGainingControl-PDandMRSAPrevention-ClinicalLeader12-09FINAL.pdf

ANSWER

Applying the Principles of Positive Deviance for Organizational Change

Introduction

Positive deviance is a conceptual model that offers a unique approach to advancing positive organizational change. By identifying individuals or groups within an organization who have achieved desired outcomes, change agents can learn from their behaviors and strategies to drive change. This essay will explore the application of the principles of positive deviance to a problem within an organization, highlighting its potential benefits and providing insights into its implementation.

Identifying the Problem

To apply the principles of positive deviance, it is crucial to first identify a problem within the organization that requires attention and improvement. This could be an issue related to productivity, teamwork, customer satisfaction, or any other area that affects organizational performance and success.

Identify Positive Deviants

Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to search for individuals or groups within the organization who have already achieved positive outcomes in the identified area. These positive deviants are those who have succeeded despite facing similar challenges and constraints as others. They can serve as role models and sources of inspiration for driving change.

Understand Deviant Behaviors and Strategies

The next phase involves understanding the behaviors, strategies, and approaches employed by the positive deviants. This can be achieved through observations, interviews, and collaborative discussions. By studying their actions, change agents can gain insights into the specific practices and mindset that contribute to their success.

Share Success Stories and Learnings

To initiate organizational change, the success stories and learnings from positive deviants should be shared with the broader organizational community. This can be done through internal communication channels such as newsletters, team meetings, or training sessions. By showcasing the achievements of positive deviants and highlighting their approaches, others can learn from their experiences and be motivated to adopt similar behaviors.

Encourage Experimentation and Adaptation

To drive change effectively, it is important to foster a culture that encourages experimentation and adaptation. Change agents can create opportunities for employees to try new approaches inspired by the positive deviants. This can involve providing resources, support, and feedback mechanisms to ensure that individuals and teams feel empowered to implement and refine new practices.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

Applying the principles of positive deviance is an iterative process that requires continuous learning and improvement. Change agents should monitor the outcomes of the interventions and encourage ongoing reflection and feedback. This allows for adjustments and refinements based on the specific context and evolving needs of the organization.

Conclusion

The principles of positive deviance offer a powerful framework for driving positive organizational change. By identifying positive deviants and learning from their behaviors and strategies, organizations can tap into existing internal resources and knowledge to address problems effectively. Applying the principles of positive deviance encourages a culture of learning, experimentation, and adaptation, leading to sustained improvement and growth within the organization.