Which element is classified as a soft element in the McKinsey model?

In the McKinsey 7S Framework, soft elements refer to the aspects of an organization that are more intangible and less quantifiable than the hard elements. These soft elements include shared values, skills, style, and staff. Style specifically pertains to the leadership approach and the culture within the organization — how leaders interact with their employees, the management philosophy, and the overall atmosphere of the workplace.

Style is crucial because it directly influences employee motivation, job satisfaction, and productivity. A positive style can lead to a healthy organizational culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an essential component in understanding organizational effectiveness.

The other elements, such as structure and systems, are considered hard elements because they can be easily identified through organizational charts and processes, making them more tangible and measurable. Strategy, while also a crucial aspect of an organization’s direction, focuses more on planning and execution rather than the interpersonal dynamics that define the organizational culture. Thus, among the options provided, style is the element classified as a soft element in the McKinsey model.