Christoph Schalk
Organic Quality Management (OQM®) is a fast and reliable way of monitoring the quality development of Christian non-profit organizations and church ministry teams / leadership teams. Learn more about the practical value of OQM.
OQM uses a survey which is quite different from ordinary surveys. It is a solution-oriented organizational development process. Although OQM is from a Natural Church Development (NCD) background it is not the same as NCD. It has been specifically designed for Christian non-profit organizations as well as for churches. While NCD Surveys cover an entire church congregation, OQM focuses on ministry teams and/or leadership teams when used in a local church. Further basic information about OQM can be found in previous articles (ABC's 1, ABC's 2, OQM Survey for Churches) and in the OQM brochure:
Download oqm_brochure_english_2006_small.pdf
OQM offers organizations several unique benefits:
1. OQM is specially designed for Christian organizations
The OQM Survey is unlike any other diagnostic management tool. What makes the OQM Survey really unique is its holistic assessment of an organization according to the three dimensions: structural ("organization"), human ("organism") and spiritual ("spirit"). A comprehensive assessment is made of all relevant areas: leadership, co-workers, personal spirituality, structures, values, company culture, life-style, team-work and relationships. The process involves compiling and interlinking information on "external factors" such as a team's professionalism and people's inner convictions (e.g. faith).
2. OQM is time-effective
The development of a custom-designed diagnostic tool can take months. The OQM Survey is a ready-to-use product and yet it is perfectly tailored to suit the needs of Christian non-profit organizations. Conducting an OQM Survey will only take you a few hours of work. After this you will know exactly where you stand and can make an immediate start with the development process.
3. OQM is cost-effective
Unlike other professional surveys, the OQM Survey is very affordable. We know that finances are often a hot topic for Christian organizations dependent on donations. We have succeeded in creating a professional tool at low cost without lowering scientific standards.
4. OQM is scientific and reliable
This reliable, valid diagnostic tool was developed with the aid of a research project conducted at the University of Heidelberg/Germany. OQM International was able to demonstrate a positive, significant correlation between OQM quality characteristics and workers' commitment, performance, personal stress management and their desire to remain with an organization. In other words: Quality – as we define it – matters!
5. OQM is solution-focused
In its endeavor to identify the minimum factor as a starting point for an organization's future development, OQM focuses not on the problem but on the solution. The survey is followed up by the OQM Cycle, which is designed to release the potential that is already in an organization and its co-workers, and to produce lasting fruit.
6. OQM helps to measure and monitor quality
Yes, quality is measurable! The OQM Survey provides you with a benchmark to measure the quality of your organization and evaluate the progress made over an OQM Cycle. It is a tool which can be used for ongoing quality monitoring.
The OQM Survey results come on a single page in the form of a bar chart providing instant information on the strengths and weaknesses of your organization in eight key areas. This is accompanied by a detailed 90-page report with percentage scores for each question in the survey (report layout subject to change). A sample report can be downloaded here:
If you are interested in introducing the OQM Cycle to your organization, just contact us at intercoach@oqmnet.org. Please include a brief description of your organization (mission, size, structure).
