ABSTRACT
CHAPTER17 How to Design Systems We have emphasised the importance of systems. The quote ‘systems drive behaviour’ underlines how important they are. How systems are designed and implemented has a significant effect on people’s behaviour and consequently the productivity of the organisation. We have explained that leaders have three main tools: systems, symbols and behaviour. A leader may individually set a great example but, if the systems are counter-productive, it will seem like swimming upstream. If the systems are counter-productive, then it is likely that the organisational symbols will be perceived negatively. If you do not feel you are valued, then it is unlikely that you will take great care of company property, pick up litter, keep an area tidy, wear company clothing with any pride. It is not a very big step to see how this might affect the quality and commitment to work.
