ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a method that the authors have developed for reviewing the current state of an organisation in order to test the nature of the gap between the aspirations of the leadership and the reality of the situation as it exists in practice. The audit draws on the system leadership theory and in particular the analysis of existing systems, symbols and behaviour. The purpose of the audit is to provide feedback to the leadership of the organisation on the effectiveness of systems, symbols, leadership behaviour and the interaction between these three as reflected in the workforce's interpretation of them. The systems and symbols audit does not preclude the possibility of a survey. The consultant must have considerable technical skill and knowledge in terms of systems leadership theory. The consultant must be fully knowledgeable about all aspects of the theory.
