2. What results, if any, is the program helping to produce? Even very
simple SC studies can quickly gather evidence about the most poignant and compelling results that a change initiative is producing, and they can provide rich illustrations of these “best case” outcomes. In a recent study of an innovative online supervisory support system, for example, we found that some supervisors had used the new tools and methods to increase production. Others had used the tools to decrease staff turnover. A few had used the methods to keep minor complaints and misunderstandings from escalating into costly grievances and legal suits. Of course, if there are no positive outcomes for the program, the SC Method will quickly discover this fact. One company, for example, had invested in a training program that was meant to assist managers in helping their employees create development
plans. As it turned out, hardly any of the managers even tried out the new approach, and only a few of these had led to new development plans for employees. Of the employees who did create development plans, none felt that the process was constructive. Fortunately, this SC study was conducted after only a small pilot test of the program was implemented, so little damage was done and there was time to reconsider the entire initiative. The SC study can be used to discover intended as well as unintended outcomes. In a similar study of another company trying out a new development planning approach, it was likewise discovered that only a few employees actually created formal development plans. But, it also became clear that the dialogue that the program stimulated between managers and employees was viewed as highly constructive. In almost every case, employees whose managers engaged them in a planning discussion felt more valued and understood. As it turned out, the managers of these appreciative employees used only a very small part of the intended process, but that single part turned out to be highly effective. As a result of this unintended outcome, the process was drastically simplified and distributed to many more managers. It is very easy to combine estimates of results with estimates of how many people are making different sorts of use of a program. For example, in one SC study we concluded that “Sixty percent of the participants used the program to accomplish worthwhile results that are either helping to drive more new sales, retain customers, or increase revenues-per-customer. Of these successful participants, one out of five (20%) have achieved profit margins in excess of the company’s goal of 15%. On the other hand, 28% of the program’s participants have reported no use of the program’s
tools at all and are likewise achieving no impact on sales, retention, or revenue. The remaining 12% have reported some success, but their accomplishments are below profit margin expectations.”