Which elements of the McKinsey model are considered hard elements?

The McKinsey 7S Framework identifies both hard and soft elements that affect an organization’s performance. The hard elements consist of tangible and formal aspects of an organization that can be directly influenced and measured, which includes strategy, structure, and systems.

Strategy refers to the plan an organization has to achieve its goals and the competitive advantage it pursues. Structure involves the way in which an organization is arranged, including its hierarchy and the relationship between various roles and teams. Systems encompass the daily activities and procedures that staff members follow to deliver results, such as processes, technologies, and workflows.

In contrast, the soft elements, which are not as easily quantifiable, include shared values, skills, staff, culture, and leadership. While these dimensions are crucial for an organization's culture and effectiveness, they are less tangible than the hard elements, which can be more straightforwardly changed or evaluated.

Therefore, the elements of strategy, structure, and systems are the hard elements of the McKinsey model because they provide a foundation for the organization's operations and can be articulated clearly and adjusted more easily compared to the more abstract and subjective soft elements.