Written by: Vitus Dono (MSc OD, ODCC, EMODAL)
First Published: December 10, 2019, on www.vitusodconsult.com
The Spider Web is an Organization Development (OD) tool used as an institutional self-assessment method to enhance organizational change. The name is derived from the visual pattern created during the exercise. Originally developed in Nepal for monitoring community-based organizations, the Spider Web exercise has been widely adopted to facilitate participatory approaches to change and growth. This exercise includes participants from all levels and capacities within an organization, making it a powerful method to build a shared vision for developing and strengthening the organization’s capacity to deliver quality, relevant, and sustainable development.
Application of the Spider Web Exercise
Recently, St. Vitus OD Consult used the Spider Web exercise as an OD tool for Gastys Consult Ltd in Ghana, West Africa. The exercise successfully facilitated critical assessment, discovery, and consensus, as anticipated by its design.
Summary of Outcomes from the Exercise
Individual Effects Reported by Participants
- Some participants felt they were supporting the experience of others while facilitators guided the discussion.
- Some experienced pressure on their fingers during the exercise.
- A few reported feeling little or no effect.
- Some exhibited patience and tolerance for the discomfort experienced during parts of the exercise.
- Several participants anticipated and mentally prepared for the exercise.
- Some remained relaxed and observant of how others coped.
Learning Points from the Exercise
- Effective networking is essential for organizational survival.
- Information flow is critical for sustaining growth.
- Tolerance is necessary to hold the organization together.
- Endurance is an inevitable aspect of growth.
- Teamwork is key to effectiveness.
- Connectivity maintains organizational integrity.
- A platform for effective communication is created.
- Interdependence is crucial for organizational functionality.
- Different organizational levels form the working framework.
- Personal gain pursuits create widening gaps.
- Unplanned occurrences cause temporary discomfort, but tolerance and patience can overcome sudden changes.
- Organizational failures occur when pivotal points fail, highlighting the importance of every part.
- Leadership is central to organizational effectiveness.
- What affects one affects all.
- An organization functions as a unified whole.
How to Apply the Spider Web in Your Organization
- Team development
- Embracing diversity
- Emphasizing standards
- Operating procedures
- Conflict resolution
- Enhancing internal controls
- Respect for all
- Synergy
- Enhanced relations
- Awareness of organizational culture
- Discipline and core values
Other Applications of the Spider Web Tool in Organization Development
- Breaking hierarchical communication
- Organizational retreats
- Team building
- Enhancing leadership
Concluding Comments
OD harnesses tools, models, and processes that drive organizations toward sustainable change. The Spider Web exercise is a powerful tool that emphasizes the strength of a healthy organization and the ability to enhance effectiveness. OD, as a scientific process, ensures that the Spider Web tool will always reveal key parameters for transforming any organization.
For more information on Organizational Development and the Spider Web exercise:
- Visit the College for Community and Organisation Development (CCOD) at www.ccod.edu.gh, the premier OD technical university in Africa. CCOD focuses on developing appreciative leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and academics using behavioral science approaches to promote personal and organizational effectiveness and transformation.
- CCOD is an official partner of the Institute of Organization Development (IOD), Florida, USA, accredited by the National Accreditation Board (NAB), and affiliated with the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana.
