Question group creation method and control program

Abstract

The question group creation method of the present invention creates a group of questions that ask about the feelings and thoughts of each member belonging to an organization, and that allow the organizational climate of the organization to be evaluated by analyzing the answers of each member. The question group creation method comprises: an input step (S1) for inputting, into a computer, a group of words including words that express emotions, behaviors, and an organizational environment during the occurrence of an imaginary abnormal event; a selection step (S2) for selecting, from each of the input words by means of the computer, a group of evaluation terms serving as a scale for evaluating the organizational climate of a target organization; and an output step (S3) for outputting the selected group of evaluation terms to create a group of questions to be answered by a target person belonging to the target organization.

Description

Question group creation method and control program

[0001] The present invention relates to a question group creation method for creating a question group for diagnosing the organizational climate of a target organization, and a control program for causing a computer to execute the question group creation method.

[0002] An organization is defined as a group in which the roles and functions of its members are differentiated and integrated in order to achieve a common goal. To achieve organizational goals and achieve results, it is important for members to fully understand the organization's objectives, engage in their respective tasks, and help and communicate with each other. However, in reality, the degree of fostering / improvement of organizational climate varies from organization to organization, and the degree of fostering / improvement significantly influences many factors, from the organization's overall performance to each member's sense of fulfillment. A low level of organizational climate can also lead to problems in organizational management. Organizational climate refers to the character and spirit associated with an organization. Furthermore, organizational culture, which reflects the organization's values ​​and principles of behavior, is formed based on this organizational climate. The degree of fostering / improvement of organizational climate refers to the degree to which the organization's habits and culture are established, rooted, and mature. That is, in one example, an "organization with a high degree of organizational culture" is an organization in which organizational customs and culture are established and firmly established within the organization, whereas an "organization with a low degree of organizational culture" is an organization in which organizational customs and culture are not established and firmly established within the organization.

[0003] Organizational activities, such as those of a company, are aimed at providing goods and services, and many other activities must be carried out smoothly to accomplish this. If a company were to manufacture products or provide services that do not meet predetermined quality standards, commit a serious safety error, or commit a breach of trust with society, trust in the organization could be lost, potentially threatening the organization's very existence. Traditionally, the person in charge of the organization would identify structural problems within the organization and take measures to improve them in order to prevent incidents that could be detrimental to the organization from occurring.

[0004] The organizational culture, which can influence the feelings of each member of the organization, may be the true cause of the incident.

[0005] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for evaluating the state of an organization by taking into account its organizational culture. The technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 evaluates the organizational culture of an organization based on the responses of members of the organization to questions regarding the existence and extent of unwritten codes of conduct in the organization. In other words, the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 evaluates the organizational culture that is pervasive within the organization and that is recognized in advance by members of the organization.

[0006] Japanese Patent No. 7021811

[0007] Some events that could be detrimental to an organization arise from the emotions and thoughts of each member of the organization, as well as the organizational culture related to those emotions and thoughts. In order to prevent events that could be detrimental to the organization before they occur, or to prevent the recurrence of events that have already occurred, it is necessary to understand the emotions and thoughts of each member and use these as clues to evaluate the organizational culture.

[0008] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 creates questions asking about actual experiences or feelings actually felt in the workplace in order to ask about "ease of working" and "job satisfaction." However, in order to prevent the above-mentioned events from occurring, it is preferable to objectively evaluate the organizational culture in a unified manner and clarify inherent risks in advance by understanding the feelings and behaviors of respondents in response to specific hypothetical events that they may actually experience.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a question group creation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a question group creation method for creating a question group for diagnosing the organizational culture of a target organization, and includes the following steps: an input step of inputting into a computer a group of words including at least (1) a first word expressing an emotion, (2) a second word expressing an action, and (3) a third word expressing the organizational environment at the time of the occurrence of the abnormal event, extracted from answers to questions presented to each of a plurality of subjects who, as subjects belonging to the virtual organization, experienced a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurred in the virtual organization; a selection step of selecting by the computer from the input group of words a group of evaluation words that will serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; and an output step of outputting by the computer the selected group of evaluation words to create a group of questions to be answered by subjects belonging to the target organization.

[0010] The question group creation method according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by processing executed by one or more computers. In this case, the scope of the present invention also includes a control program that causes a computer to operate as a processing unit (software element) capable of executing the question group creation method, thereby realizing the question group creation method through computer processing, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a set of questions that asks about the feelings and thoughts of subjects who are members of a target organization and that can evaluate the organizational climate of an organization by analyzing the responses of each subject can be created. The organizational climate includes, for example, organizational culture such as quality, safety, the degree of communication problems in organizational management, attitudes that lead to betrayal of society, and ways of dealing with crises that threaten organizational management.

[0012] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a question group creation method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a question group creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cognitive structure model created by a selection unit. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an evaluation method according to embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an evaluation device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between scenes, evaluation words, and multiple elements in a hypothetical scenario. FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the scoring results of each element in a target organization and a comparison organization. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a model creation method according to embodiment 3. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a model creation device according to embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a risk model according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a risk model according to the present disclosure.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0014] <Outline of Question Group Creation Method> First, an outline of a question group creation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0015] The way in which an abnormal situation is dealt with varies greatly depending on the level of organizational culture that has been fostered. Therefore, the method for creating question sets disclosed herein involves having multiple sample subjects experience hypothetical scenarios modeled after abnormal situations, and creating question sets for evaluating the organizational culture of a target organization based on the responses obtained from the sample subjects.

[0016] The question group creation method includes an input step, a selection step, an output step, and a creation step, and is executed by one or more computers. The input step is a step of presenting questions to participants who have experienced a virtual scenario, having them utter words that express the emotions, impressions, judgments, actions, and work environment that the participants recalled while experiencing the virtual scenario, and inputting the resulting words into a computer. A virtual scenario depicts a virtual abnormal event in a virtual organization. The virtual scenario is created based on examples that undermine the soundness of organizational operations, such as a situation in which an equipment abnormality occurs, a situation in which measures are taken to prevent an accident, a situation in which losses are caused by poor communication between organizational members, and a situation in which an error occurs in a quality process. Each of the participants experiences a virtual scenario as a member of the virtual organization and answers questions about how they feel and how they make decisions in each situation, thereby collecting words to be input into a computer in the input step. The collected words may include words indicating answers to questions about the sample person's actual workplace environment in comparison with the virtual scenario. In the input step, for example, a group of words including at least (1) a first word expressing an emotion, (2) a second word expressing an action, and (3) a third word expressing the organizational environment when an abnormal event occurs is input to the computer.

[0017] The selection process is a process of selecting evaluation words as a scale for evaluating organizational climate from the group of words included in the input answers. The output process is a process of outputting the selected group of evaluation words. The creation process is a process of creating a group of questions including a plurality of questions that prompt users to select an answer from among options that include at least one of the selected group of evaluation words.

[0018] The set of questions created by the above method links organizational climate, emotions, specific actions, judgments, etc. Therefore, by having subjects belonging to the target organization that experienced the hypothetical scenario answer the set of questions created in the creation process and analyzing the answers obtained, it is possible to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the organizational climate of the target organization.

[0019] As an example, the question group creation method is executed by one or more computers (for example, the question group creation device 1 described below). Note that in the question group creation method, one or more computers may execute the input step, selection step, and output step, and a person may check the information output in the output step to create a question group.

[0020] <Question group creation device 1> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the question group creation device 1. The question group creation device 1 is a device for creating a question group based on answers obtained from sample subjects who experienced a hypothetical scenario. The question group creation device 1 may be configured with a single information processing device such as a computer, or may be configured by multiple information processing devices connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. By performing the question group creation method using the question group creation device 1, a question group is created for evaluating the organizational culture of a target organization to which a subject belongs. Here, the subject is a member of the target organization. Questions are presented and answers obtained are input into the question group creation device 1. The answers may be input using an input device 2 such as a keyboard.

[0021] 2, the question group creation device 1 includes a control unit 11 and a display unit 12. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the question group creation device 1 may include a storage unit 13 that stores various information used in the question group creation device 1, such as information indicating the input answers, information indicating the evaluation word groups selected based on the answers, and information indicating the created question group.

[0022] The control unit 11 includes an input unit 14, a selection unit 15, an output unit 16, and a creation unit 17. The input unit 14 acquires information indicating answers input to the question group creation device 1. Details of the input information will be described later. The input unit 14 inputs the acquired information to the selection unit 15.

[0023] The selection unit 15 selects evaluation words for creating a set of questions to be answered by the subject based on the information input from the input unit 14. Details of the evaluation words and the selection method will be described later.

[0024] The output unit 16 outputs the evaluation words and information related to the evaluation words selected by the selection unit 15. The output unit 16 may output the information to the creation unit 17 or to the display unit 12. By the output unit 16 outputting the information to the display unit 12 and displaying it, the person creating the question group can grasp the evaluation words and information related to the evaluation words selected by the selection unit 15 and create an appropriate question group.

[0025] The creation unit 17 creates a set of questions to be answered by the subject who has experienced the virtual scenario, based on the information acquired from the output unit 16. The set of questions includes a plurality of questions, and each question includes a question statement related to the virtual scenario and answer options for the question statement. The set of questions may also include questions other than those related to the virtual scenario. For example, the set of questions may include questions about the sample person's real environment, specifically, about the organization to which the sample person actually belongs. Furthermore, in the set of questions, at least one of the question statement and the answer options includes at least one evaluation word included in the selected set of evaluation words, i.e., the evaluation word group that serves as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization.

[0026] As described above, the question group creation device 1 can create a question group for evaluating the organizational climate of a target organization.

[0027] <Question group creation method> The question group creation method will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As an example, the question group creation method is performed using a question group creation device 1. Note that a part of the question group creation method may be performed by a person. For example, in the question group creation method, the creation step may be performed by a person who understands the information output in the output step.

[0028] In the question group creation method, questions are first presented to each of a plurality of sample subjects who have experienced a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in a virtual organization as members of the virtual organization, and answers to the questions are obtained. Here, the questions may be presented by a person or by a computer capable of presenting questions. The person or computer presenting the questions may be referred to as a questioner.

[0029] The hypothetical scenario may include the occurrence of an abnormal event that a subject (i.e., a member of a target organization) may actually experience in the target organization.

[0030] As an example, the hypothetical scenario depicts a fictitious situation involving quality concerns. The scenario consists of three scenes: a situation in which an urgent shipping task is requested at a workplace chronically short-staffed (Scene 1), a situation in which a team leader instructs a worker to skip a part of the manufacturing or shipping inspection process (Scene 2), and a situation in which a worker has doubts about the team leader's instructions (Scene 3).

[0031] (Scene 1) Mr. A has been transferred to a new production line department. This workplace is always short-staffed and there is a lot of overtime work. A new urgent task has come up in this department.

[0032] (Scene 2) Mr. A was instructed by his team leader to omit the weight confirmation process during the manufacturing or shipping inspection process.

[0033] (Scene 3) According to the team leader, this process was written in the customer's instructions, but he did not think it was related to maintaining quality. Mr. A felt something was off when he heard the explanation.

[0034] The hypothetical scenario is not limited to the above examples, and may be a scenario that indicates other organizational management concerns or even other scenarios. For example, the hypothetical scenario may be a scenario that indicates the nature of an abnormality that occurs in equipment, how to deal with the abnormality, or a loss that occurs due to a lack of communication between organizational members. The hypothetical scenario may also be created by referring to actual cases that have occurred in the target organization in the past.

[0035] Furthermore, the method for providing a simulated experience of a virtual scenario is not particularly limited, and various methods may be used. At least one of a video, a still image, a picture representing the virtual scenario, a text describing the virtual scenario, and an audio explaining the virtual scenario may be used to provide a simulated experience of the virtual scenario to the subject. For example, the virtual scenario can be provided by having the subject watch a video representing the virtual scenario, visually recognize a picture or text representing the virtual scenario, or listen to an audio explaining the virtual scenario.

[0036] The sample may be a person who does not belong to the target organization. The virtual organization may be the same organization as the target organization. The sample may also include members who belong to the target organization.

[0037] The questioner divides the scenes in the hypothetical scenario into several parts and presents the sample with questions about each of the multiple scenes. The questioner presents questions to obtain answers about what the sample felt as if they were a character in at least one of the scenes in the hypothetical scenario, for example, words that express the emotions, impressions, judgments, actions, and work environment that were recalled while experiencing the hypothetical scenario. For example, when the questioner has the sample experience the hypothetical scenario showing the above-mentioned fictitious quality concern scene, the questioner presents the sample with questions to obtain answers assuming that the sample is Mr. A.

[0038] The questioner may also present each sample member with questions about (i) the superordinate concept, (ii) the subordinate concept, and / or (iii) the relationship between words expressed by at least one of the words included in the word group. The superordinate concept of a word refers to a word that expresses the psychological meaning of that word (the mental reason why that word was selected), and the subordinate concept of a word refers to a word that expresses the objective factors or environmental conditions that lead to the utterance of that word. The relationship between words refers to the relationship between a word included in the word group and a word that expresses the superordinate concept of that word, or between a word included in the word group and a word that expresses the subordinate concept of that word.

[0039] The interrogator then presents questions that inquire into the sub-concepts (why they felt that way) and superordinate concepts (what happens as a result) of the words obtained through the question. At the time of presenting the questions, the interrogator does not present the questions to the subjects by distinguishing them into categories such as "emotion," "impression," "judgment," "behavior," and "environment." The interrogator presents questions to the subjects who have answered the questions to clarify the relationship between the words, such as why they did so (why they chose that word) and what the result will be (what will happen as a result of taking the action indicated by that word or feeling the emotion indicated by that word).

[0040] The input unit 14 accepts input of an answer obtained by the questioner. From the input answer, the input unit 14 extracts a group of words including (1) a first word expressing an emotion, (2) a second word expressing an action, and (3) a third word expressing an organizational environment at the time of the occurrence of an abnormal event, and inputs the extracted words to the selection unit 15 described below. Note that the input unit 14 may extract words other than the first word, second word, and third word at the time of the occurrence of an abnormal event based on the input answer. For example, the input unit 14 may extract the first word, second word, and third word in the sampler's real environment from answers to questions about the sampler's real environment, specifically, the organization to which the sampler belongs.

[0041] The first words expressing emotions are, for example, words expressing the emotions and / or impressions of each of the sample persons when an abnormal event occurs. The second words expressing behavior are, for example, words expressing the judgments and / or actions of each of the sample persons when an abnormal event occurs. The third words expressing the organizational environment may be, for example, words expressing the atmosphere and / or human relationships of the virtual organization. Note that the first words, second words, and third words are not limited to the above examples. For example, the first words may be words expressing the emotions and / or impressions of each of the sample persons when they work in the organization to which they actually belong. The second words may be words expressing the judgments and / or actions of each of the sample persons when they work in the organization to which they actually belong. The third words may be words expressing the atmosphere and / or human relationships of the organization to which each of the sample persons actually belong.

[0042] When the hypothetical scenario is a scenario showing a fictitious situation where there is a quality concern, the first word is, for example, "anxiety" or "impatience." The second word is, for example, "hiding the problem by one's own judgment" or "consulting." The third word is, for example, "it's a busy workplace" or "the boss seems busy."

[0043] The input unit 14 inputs a group of words extracted from the answers, including (1) a first word expressing an emotion, (2) a second word expressing an action, and (3) a third word expressing the organizational environment at the time of the occurrence of the abnormal event, to the selection unit 15 (S1: input step). Note that if the group of words extracted from the answers includes a first word, a second word, and a third word relating to a situation different from the time of the occurrence of the abnormal event, for example, a first word, a second word, and a third word relating to the actual environment of the sampler, the input unit 14 may also input these words to the selection unit 15.

[0044] In addition, in the input process, the input unit 14 may present each of the sample subjects with a question about (i) a superordinate concept, (ii) a subordinate concept, and / or (iii) the relationship between the words, which is represented by at least one of the word groups, and input the answers obtained.

[0045] In the input step, the input unit 14 may input related words extracted from the answer to the question together with the word group. The related words are words of a higher or lower concept related to a certain word. The input unit 14 may identify relationships between words based on the answer of the subject and input information indicating the results. The input unit 14 identifies relationships between words based on a certain word and related words obtained from answers to questions asking about the higher concept (ladder-up; what happens as a result) or lower concept (ladder-down; why) of the word.

[0046] For example, in a hypothetical scenario showing a quality concern, if a respondent gives an answer that includes the word "impatience," the first word "impatience" is related to the third word, which indicates the environment of "no time to redo," as a subordinate concept that indicates why the respondent felt "impatience."Furthermore, the first word "impatience" is related to the second word, which indicates the behavior of "hiding the problem by self-determination," as a superordinate concept that indicates what happened as a result of "impatience."

[0047] In this case, the input unit 14 inputs information indicating that a third word indicating the environment of "there is no time to start over" is a related word of a lower concept to the first word "impatience" to the selection unit 15. In addition, the input unit 14 inputs information indicating that a second word indicating the behavior of "hiding trouble by one's own judgment" is a related word of a higher concept to the first word "impatience" to the selection unit 15.

[0048] The selection unit 15 selects a group of evaluation words that serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational climate of the target organization from the input words, including (1) first words that express emotions, (2) second words that express behaviors, and (3) third words that express the organizational environment (S2: selection step). The evaluation words play an important role in the hierarchical structure of words and are words that can evaluate the workplace customs and culture that form the background of emotions regarding the abnormality that has occurred.

[0049] If related words have been input, the selection unit 15 selects a group of evaluation words from the word group and the related words in the selection step.

[0050] In the selection process, the selection unit 15 constructs a cognitive structure model that hierarchically expresses the cognitive structures of multiple sample subjects regarding the occurrence of an abnormal event based on the evaluation grid method. The selection unit 15 also selects a group of evaluation words based on the constructed cognitive structure model.

[0051] The selection unit 15 creates a cognitive structure model that hierarchically shows the value structure of qualitative sensibilities by connecting the relationships between the collected words.

[0052] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a cognitive structure model created by the selection unit 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the selection unit 15 selects a group of important evaluation words from among the words (words) used in answers obtained from a plurality of sample subjects based on network centrality theory, and creates a cognitive structure model using the selected group of evaluation words. Here, the group of important evaluation words may be words with a high response frequency, words that serve as hubs connecting words of higher and lower concepts, words indicating events related to these words, etc.

[0053] The selection unit 15 selects evaluation words as a measure for evaluating the workplace habits and culture that underlie the feelings toward the abnormality that occurred, based on the created cognitive structure model that indicates the value structure of sensibility. Each selection unit 15 sets a criterion (threshold) for selecting evaluation words and, based on the criterion, determines the importance level of evaluation words to be selected from the cognitive structure model. The importance level of each evaluation word may be set in advance or may be set based on the answers obtained from the sample participants. For example, for each evaluation word, a word that frequently appears in the answers or a word that serves as a hub between words included in the answers may be set to have a high importance level.

[0054] The selection unit 15 selects representative words from the evaluation word group to be used in the question group. If the words included in the evaluation word group are emotion-related words, the selection unit 15 evaluates the property estimation results of the evaluation word group, i.e., pleasantness, unpleasantness, arousal, and sedation, plots them on a two-axis coordinate system, and performs statistical analysis based on the results to select a representative word representing the evaluation word group. Specifically, the selection unit 15 classifies the plotted evaluation words into clusters and selects a word that is close to the center of gravity of the cluster and is easy to interpret as the representative word. Note that the evaluation results of the evaluation word group, i.e., pleasantness, unpleasantness, arousal, and sedation, may be evaluated by a rating test conducted by multiple people. Furthermore, the plotting on the two-axis coordinate system may be performed by a person, such as a questioner, who creates the question group. In this case, the person inputs the results into the question group creation device 1, and the selection unit 15 performs statistical analysis based on the results. Alternatively, the results of estimating the properties of the evaluation word group, i.e., the ratings of pleasantness, unpleasantness, arousal, and sedation, and plotting them on a two-axis coordinate system, may be performed by any processing unit of the question group creation device 1, and the results may be acquired by the selection unit 15.

[0055] The output unit 16 outputs the words selected by the selection unit 15 (S3: output step). Note that the output unit 16 may output information related to the words selected by the selection unit 15, such as the selected representative words and the created cognitive structure model, together with the words selected by the selection unit 15.

[0056] When the question group creation device 1 performs the creation process following the output process, the output unit 16 outputs information indicating the words selected by the selection unit 15 to the creation unit 17. On the other hand, when the creation process is performed by a person, the output unit 16 outputs the words selected by the selection unit 15 in a format that can be confirmed by the person. For example, the output unit 16 displays information indicating the created cognitive structure model, the selected evaluation words, and the selected representative words on the display unit 12, such as a display. This allows a person who understands this information to create a question group.

[0057] The creation unit 17 creates a set of questions to be answered by the subject who has experienced the virtual scenario, based on the words output by the output unit 16 (S4: creation process). The set of questions includes questions including a question statement related to the virtual scenario and answer options for the question statement. Note that the set of questions may also include questions other than those related to the virtual scenario, such as questions related to the organization to which the subject actually belongs and answer options for the question statement. Furthermore, in the set of questions, at least one of the question statement and answer options includes at least one evaluation word included in the selected set of evaluation words, i.e., the evaluation word group that serves as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization. The questions included in the set of questions may be the same as the questions presented to the sample person to obtain the answer entered in the input process, or questions formatted to match the answer options. Note that the creation process may be performed manually. If the creation process is performed manually, the person checks the information output in the output process and creates a set of questions based on the information in a manner similar to that of the creation unit 17.

[0058] The question group includes questions for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization. The questions are asked using a simulated experience of the same virtual scenario as the virtual scenario used in the question group creation method described above and questions created using the question group creation method. Each of the questions in the question group includes at least some of the selected representative words as question sentences or answer options. Alternatively, at least some of the questions in the question group include, as question sentences or answer options, numerical values ​​indicating how close the subject's feelings are to the pre-selected representative words if the subject were a character in the virtual scenario, rather than the subject's feelings when viewing the virtual scenario objectively. The creation unit 17 may create a question group by setting the format of answers to questions containing the selected evaluation words as a degree of relevance (numerical values ​​or expressions convertible to numbers).

[0059] The creation unit 17 creates a question that includes an evaluation word in the answer options as a question about a scene in a certain virtual scenario. For example, the creation unit 17 creates a question that includes a question sentence such as "How did you feel in this scene?" and answer options such as "I felt strong anxiety," "I felt weak anxiety," and "I didn't feel anything in particular" as a question about a scene in which a subject experiencing the virtual scenario may feel anxious. The creation unit 17 also creates a question that includes an evaluation word in the question sentence as a question about a scene in a certain virtual scenario. Specifically, the creation unit 17 creates a question that includes a question sentence such as "Please express the degree of anxiety you felt in this scene in numerical terms" and answer options such as "1" to "3" indicating the degree of anxiety.

[0060] The emotions, judgments, and actions of organizational members who cause concern are influenced by the environment surrounding the members, such as the organizational culture. For example, how to deal with an abnormal situation will vary greatly depending on the degree to which the organizational culture is cultivated.

[0061] The question group creation method disclosed herein clarifies the cognitive structure of the sample by linking emotions with specific behaviors, judgments, environmental factors, etc. based on the sample's responses to questions that ask about the sample's emotions, judgments, and behavior in each scene of a hypothetical scenario modeled on an abnormal situation. Furthermore, it is possible to select appropriate evaluation terms based on the responses to the questions and create a question group with the evaluation terms as answer options. Using the question group created in this way, it is possible to diagnose the degree of cultural development of the organization (i.e., the target organization) to which the subject who answered the question group belongs.

[0062] For example, if the focus is on "quality activities" as an area to diagnose the degree of organizational culture development, hypothetical scenarios are created based on quality-related cases, such as situations in which mistakes that are likely to be made in the process of evaluating the quality of products and services occur, or situations in which quality falsification has frequently occurred in the past. By having participants experience such hypothetical scenarios, it is possible to obtain answers that indicate how the participants would feel and how they would judge and act in quality-related cases.

[0063] Furthermore, based on the responses of the sample, a set of questions can be created based on the responses that indicate the emotions, judgments, behaviors, and environment of the subjects in quality-related cases. As a result, the created set of questions is a set of questions that can evaluate the organizational culture related to "quality activities" of the target organization. Furthermore, the set of questions can objectively and quantitatively evaluate the organizational culture of the target organization based on the responses of the subjects (i.e., employees belonging to the target organization) who answered the set of questions.

[0064] [Embodiment 2] <Outline of Evaluation Method> Another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0065] In this embodiment, an evaluation method for evaluating the organizational culture of a target organization to which a subject belongs using the set of questions created in embodiment 1 is described. In this evaluation method, the organizational culture of the target organization is evaluated, for example, in terms of the risks inherent in the target organization or the trends in the organizational culture of the target organization compared to other organizations. The set of questions created by the method described in embodiment 1 is created based on answers obtained from sample subjects who experienced a hypothetical scenario, and the questions included in the set of questions include indicators that can evaluate the organizational culture of the person who answers the questions. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate the organizational culture of the target organization by obtaining answers to the set of questions from members of the target organization whose organizational culture is to be evaluated, i.e., the subjects, and analyzing the answers.

[0066] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an evaluation method according to embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the evaluation method according to the present disclosure may include a virtual scenario experiencing step (S11), an acquisition step (S12), a scoring step (S13) based on answers, and an evaluation step (S14). The evaluation method may be performed using one or more computers, such as a general-purpose computer.

[0067] The virtual scenario experiencing step is a step of having a subject belonging to a target organization experience a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in the virtual organization as a member of the virtual organization.

[0068] The acquisition step is a step of acquiring answers to a group of questions from subjects who have experienced a hypothetical scenario. The group of questions is a group of questions created by the method according to the first embodiment. The group of questions includes a plurality of questions, each including a question statement related to the hypothetical scenario and answer options for the question statement. At least one of the question statement and answer options for each question includes at least one evaluation term that serves as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization.

[0069] Here, at least some of the evaluation words are pre-classified into at least one of human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and the consciousness of the target person. Therefore, at least some of the acquired answers are associated with at least one of human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and the consciousness of the target person. In the evaluation step, the organizational climate of the target organization is evaluated based on the acquired answers.

[0070] The evaluation performed using the evaluation method according to this embodiment may use all of the questions, answers, and evaluation terms included in the question group, or may use at least one of the questions, answers, and evaluation terms included in the question group. Furthermore, all of the evaluation terms included in the question group may be classified into at least one of human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and the consciousness of the target person, or only a portion of the evaluation terms may be classified.

[0071] <Evaluation Device 3> The evaluation method according to this embodiment may be performed by a device capable of executing at least some of the steps of the evaluation method. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an evaluation device 3 capable of executing the evaluation method according to embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the evaluation device 3 includes a control unit 31 and a display unit 32. The evaluation device 3 may also include a storage unit 33 that stores various information used in the evaluation device 3, such as information indicating the question group created by the question group creation device 1, information indicating the input answers, and information indicating the scoring results and evaluation results based on the answers. Answers obtained by presenting a question group are input to the evaluation device 3. The answers may be input using an input device 4 that includes, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, or the like.

[0072] The control unit 31 includes an acquisition unit 34, a scoring unit 35, and an evaluation unit 36. The acquisition unit 34 acquires information indicating answers to a group of questions from subjects who have experienced the virtual scenario. The acquisition unit 34 outputs the acquired information to the scoring unit 35. The acquisition unit 34 may also convert the acquired information into numerical values ​​or information convertible to numerical values ​​and output the converted information to the scoring unit 35.

[0073] The scoring unit 35 scores the answers based on information indicating the answers or information indicating numerical values ​​corresponding to the answers acquired from the acquisition unit 34. Here, the multiple questions presented to the subject include evaluation terms, and each of the evaluation terms is pre-classified into at least one of human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and the subject's consciousness. The scoring unit 35 may score for each category based on the evaluation terms included in the questions and the subject's answers. The scoring unit 35 outputs information indicating the scoring results to the evaluation unit 36.

[0074] The evaluation unit 36 ​​evaluates the organizational culture of the target organization based on the scoring results by the scoring unit 35. Since the scoring results are based on the answers obtained from the subjects, it can also be expressed that the evaluation unit 36 ​​evaluates the organizational culture of the target organization based on the answers obtained. Details of the evaluation method by the evaluation unit 36 ​​will be described later.

[0075] As described above, the evaluation device 3 can use the question group created by the question group creation method to evaluate the organizational culture of the target organization based on the answers from the subjects who experienced the virtual scenario.

[0076] <Evaluation Method> Details of the evaluation method will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. As an example, the evaluation method is performed using an evaluation device 3. Note that a part of the evaluation method may be performed by a person. For example, in the evaluation method, the evaluation step may be performed by a person who understands the information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0077] In the evaluation method, first, a subject belonging to the organization whose organizational climate is being evaluated is made to experience a hypothetical scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in the virtual organization as a member of the virtual organization (S11: hypothetical scenario experiencing step). The hypothetical scenario may include the occurrence of an abnormal event that the subject may actually experience in the target organization. The hypothetical scenario experienced by the subject may be the same scenario as the hypothetical scenario experienced by the sample person to create a question group in the question group creation method according to the first embodiment.

[0078] Next, a group of questions created using the question group creation method according to the first embodiment is presented to each of the multiple subjects who have experienced the virtual scenario. Here, the presentation of the group of questions may be performed by a person or by a computer capable of presenting a group of questions. The group of questions is composed of multiple questions. Each of the multiple questions includes a question statement related to the virtual scenario and answer options for the question statement, and at least one of the question statement and the answer options includes at least one evaluative term that serves as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization. The group of questions may also include a question related to the subject's real-world environment.

[0079] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 34 of the evaluation device 3 acquires answers to the set of questions (S12: acquisition step). The answers may be acquired by the subject inputting the answers using the input device 4, or by the questioner, who has heard the answers to the set of questions from the subject, inputting the answers using the input device 4. Here, the answers to the set of questions may be numerical values ​​or words that can be converted into numerical values.

[0080] As an example, the hypothetical scenario is a scenario depicting a fictitious situation involving quality concerns, and the scenario includes a situation in which urgent shipping work is required at a workplace that is chronically short-staffed. A subject who experiences the situation may be presented with a question asking "How did you feel?" and answer options such as "I didn't feel anything in particular," "I felt a little anxious," or "I felt very anxious." Furthermore, for the same situation, a question asking "How anxious did you feel?" and answer options using a number from "1" to "5" indicating a level of anxiety may also be presented.

[0081] The acquiring unit 34 presents the same set of questions to multiple subjects and acquires answers from each subject. The acquiring unit 34 outputs information indicating the acquired answers to the scoring unit 35. Note that the scoring unit 35 may convert the subjects' answers to questions whose answer options include at least one of a group of evaluation words that serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization into numerical values ​​or information that can be converted into numerical values, and output the converted information to the scoring unit 35.

[0082] The scoring unit 35 scores and tally the answers obtained from the subjects based on the information input from the acquisition unit 34 (S13: scoring step). The question sentence or answer options included in the question contain evaluation words. Here, the emotions, behaviors, or environments expressed by at least some of the evaluation words correspond to multiple elements for evaluating the target organizational climate.

[0083] Organizational culture is influenced by, for example, rules and taboos accepted only within a group, ways of thinking that are considered appropriate within a group, communication styles, expected roles and interpersonal relationships within the organization, and power relationships. The evaluation method disclosed herein categorizes and scores answers to a group of questions based on factors for evaluating these. This allows for a unified and objective evaluation of the organizational culture of an organization formed by multiple subjects.

[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship between scenes in a hypothetical scenario, evaluation terms, and multiple elements. Each evaluation term included in the question group may be pre-classified into at least one of the following elements: human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and the subject's awareness. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the elements for evaluating organizational culture may include "independent action," "ease of reporting, contacting, and consulting (ease of reporting, contacting, and consulting)," "sense of responsibility and ethics," "mutual help," "willingness to take on challenges," and "communication." The elements for evaluating organizational culture may also include additional elements, or each element shown in FIG. 6 may be divided into multiple elements.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6, the evaluation words included in the question group are classified by each element and scene in the hypothetical scenario. Furthermore, the same evaluation word may be classified into different elements depending on the scene. Furthermore, the evaluation word may correspond to an item different from the scene in the hypothetical scenario. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the evaluation word may correspond to the item "What should be done to prevent the scene in the hypothetical scenario from occurring?" and may be classified into an element appropriate for the evaluation word.

[0086] The scoring unit 35 classifies the acquired answers into elements as shown in Fig. 6 based on the evaluation words corresponding to the answers. Note that the elements into which the answers are classified are not limited to those shown in Fig. 6. The scoring unit 35 may classify the answers into elements different from those shown in Fig. 6. Thereafter, the scoring unit 35 scores each element based on the answers.

[0087] When the answer options are numerical values, the scoring unit 35 uses the numerical values ​​of the answers as the numerical values ​​of the evaluation words included in the corresponding question sentence. When the answer options are phrases, a score is set in advance for each phrase, and the scoring unit 35 scores using the numerical values ​​converted according to the answer.

[0088] The scoring unit 35 scores, for example, based on a preset reference score, by adding points to the score of the corresponding element if the answer is positive, and subtracting points from the score of the corresponding element if the answer is negative.

[0089] For example, suppose a hypothetical scenario includes a scene in which a character in the hypothetical scenario tries to hide a problem, and a question is presented asking, "How would you act if you were in that situation?" If the subject selects the answer "hide the problem," the scoring unit 35 will deduct one point from the element "responsibility and ethics." On the other hand, if the subject selects the answer "consult with those around them" to the same question, the scoring unit 35 will add one point to the element "communication."

[0090] As another example, suppose a hypothetical scenario presents a question asking, "How did you feel?" to a character in the hypothetical scenario who is unsure whether to report a problem to their superior. If the subject selects the answer "It would cause trouble for others," the scoring unit 35 will deduct one point from the "mutual help" element. On the other hand, if the subject selects the answer "There is no one else I can consult with" to the same question, the scoring unit 35 will deduct one point from the "communication" element.

[0091] The scoring unit 35 outputs information indicating the scoring results and the classification results of the evaluation words to the evaluation unit 36. Alternatively, the scoring unit 35 may output the scoring results of each element by the scoring unit 35, or the classification results of the evaluation words and the scores of each evaluation word to the outside.

[0092] Next, the evaluation unit 36 ​​evaluates the organizational climate of the target organization based on the scoring results by the scoring unit 35 (S14: evaluation step).

[0093] For example, the evaluation unit 36 ​​may obtain a scoring result based on answers obtained as a result of presenting the same set of questions to a subject of the target organization and to members of an organization (comparison organization) different from the target organization. The evaluation unit 36 ​​may then evaluate the organizational culture of the target organization by comparing the scoring results for each element in the target organization and the comparison organization.

[0094] Figure 7 is a graph showing the scoring results for each element in the target organization and the comparison organization. In Figure 7, the solid line indicated by symbol A is a graph based on the responses obtained by presenting a set of questions to multiple subjects who are members of the target organization. Also, in Figure 7, the dashed line indicated by symbol B is a graph based on the responses obtained by presenting a set of questions to multiple members of the comparison organization.

[0095] Referring to the graph in Figure 7, the target organization has a higher score for the "communication between colleagues" element than the comparison organization. This means that the target organization has an organizational culture where colleagues communicate more actively than the comparison organization, and where it is easier to consult with colleagues when problems arise. On the other hand, referring to the graph in Figure 7, the target organization has a lower score for elements such as "initiative" than the comparison organization. This means that it can be assessed that people who belong to the target organization have a somewhat lower ability to act independently, and may lack the willingness to try to solve problems on their own when they arise.

[0096] The evaluation unit 36 ​​may also perform other evaluations. For example, the evaluation unit 36 ​​may analyze, based on the scoring results, how the subjects would feel and what actions they might be at risk of taking if a situation assumed in the hypothetical scenario were to actually occur in the target organization.

[0097] Furthermore, the evaluation is not limited to being based on the comparison between the target organization and the comparison organization by the evaluation unit 36, but may involve dividing the members of the target organization into multiple groups, evaluating each group, and identifying trends in each group.

[0098] Alternatively, a hypothetical scenario may be previously experienced by members of multiple organizations other than the target organization, and their answers to questions may be obtained and scored to identify the average and preferred values ​​for each element. In this case, the evaluation unit 36 ​​may evaluate the tendency of each element in the target organization compared to the average value based on the scoring results obtained from the answers obtained from the subjects of the target organization.

[0099] In this manner, the evaluation unit 36 ​​evaluates the organizational culture of the target organization. The evaluation unit 36 ​​then outputs information indicating the results of the evaluation. By checking the results, the manager of the organization or the person making a plan to improve the organizational culture can understand the organizational culture of the target organization, for example, what risks the target organization has, or what elements the target organization has that are superior or inferior to other organizations, and use this information to improve the organizational culture. The evaluation process may also be performed by a person. When the evaluation process is performed by a person, the person checks the information output in the output process and performs an evaluation based on the information in the same manner as the evaluation unit 36.

[0100] [Embodiment 3] Another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0101] <Outline of Model Creation Method> In this embodiment, a method for creating a risk model, which is a model for understanding the risks in a target organization to which a subject belongs, the factors that affect the risks, and the degree of impact of the factors on the risks, using the set of questions created in embodiment 1, is described. The set of questions created by the method described in embodiment 1 is created based on answers obtained from sample subjects who have experienced a hypothetical scenario, and the questions included in the set of questions include indicators that can be used to understand the risks inherent in the organization to which the person answering the questions belongs. By obtaining answers to the set of questions from members of the target organization, i.e., subjects, and analyzing the answers, it is possible to create a risk model for understanding the risks inherent in the target organization, the factors that affect the risks, and the degree of impact of the factors on the risks.

[0102] 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a model creation method according to embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the model creation method according to the present disclosure includes a virtual scenario experiencing step (S21), an acquisition step (S22), an extraction step (S23), an analysis step (S24), and a model creation step (S25). The evaluation method may be performed using one or more computers, such as a general-purpose computer.

[0103] The virtual scenario experiencing process is a process of having subjects who are members of the target organization experience a virtual scenario. The acquisition process is a process of acquiring answers as a result of presenting a set of questions to multiple subjects. The extraction process is a process of extracting risk-related elements from evaluation words included in the answers acquired in the acquisition process. The analysis process is a process of determining a score indicating the degree of influence between the elements extracted in the extraction process. The model creation process is a process of creating a risk model using the answers acquired in the acquisition process and information obtained based on the answers.

[0104] <Model Creation Device 5> The model creation method according to this embodiment may be performed by a device capable of executing at least some of the steps of the method. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a model creation device 5 capable of executing the model creation method according to embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the model creation device 5 includes a control unit 51 and a display unit 52. The model creation device 5 may also include a storage unit 53 that stores various information used in the model creation device 5, such as information indicating the question group created by the question group creation device 1, information indicating the input answers, and information indicating analysis results based on the answers. Answers obtained by presenting a question group are input to the model creation device 5. The answers may be input using an input device 6, such as a keyboard.

[0105] The control unit 51 includes an acquisition unit 54, an extraction unit 55, an analysis unit 56, and a model creation unit 57. The acquisition unit 54 acquires information indicating answers to a group of questions from subjects who have experienced a hypothetical scenario. The extraction unit 55 classifies the evaluation words included in the acquired answers into strata set in advance according to the properties of the words, and extracts elements that represent the evaluation words included in each strata. Details of the classification and extraction will be described later.

[0106] The analysis unit 56 analyzes the evaluation terms and elements, and identifies values ​​that represent the degree of influence that the evaluation terms included in a layer that represents the nature of words have on the elements that represent that layer. The model creation unit 57 selects components of the risk model based on the analysis results by the analysis unit 56, and creates the risk model.

[0107] A risk model contains information that indicates the relationships between each element included in the model, and is also called a "linkage model."

[0108] As described above, the model creation device 5 can create a risk model that can identify the risks that the target organization has, the factors that affect the risks, and the degree to which the factors affect the risks, based on the answers from the subjects to the questions created by the question group creation method.

[0109] <Model Creation Method> Details of the model creation method will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. As an example, the model creation method is performed using a model creation device 5. Note that part of the evaluation method may be performed by a person. For example, in the model creation method, the model creation step may be performed by a person who has acquired the analysis results in the acquisition step and has grasped the analysis results in the analysis step.

[0110] First, in the model creation method, subjects who are members of a target organization are made to experience a virtual scenario (S21: virtual scenario experiencing step). This virtual scenario may be the same as the virtual scenario that the sample subjects were made to experience in the question group creation method described in the first embodiment.

[0111] After that, the subjects who experienced the hypothetical scenario are presented with a set of questions created using the question set creation method, and their responses are obtained. The questions in the set of questions include representative words that are considered to be particularly appropriate as measures among the evaluation words that serve as measures for identifying organizational culture and the risks the organization faces. The questions may also include evaluation words other than the representative words, as appropriate.

[0112] The method of answering the question may be a method in which the subject selects an answer option that he / she thinks corresponds to the scene in the hypothetical scenario from among answer options that include the representative word, or a method in which the subject answers by selecting a number from 1 to 5, etc., that indicates the degree of relevance between the scene in the hypothetical scenario that he / she thinks corresponds to the representative word.

[0113] The acquisition unit 54 acquires answers to the questions presented to the plurality of subjects (S22: acquisition step).

[0114] The acquisition unit 54 identifies evaluation words included in the question group and outputs the identified evaluation words to the extraction unit 55. The evaluation words that can be identified by the acquisition unit 54 are classified into layers that indicate the nature of the words. Here, layers indicate the nature of words, such as behavior, emotion, judgment / thoughts, and work environment. Classifying evaluation words into layers means classifying the evaluation words by the nature of the words. Layers are also used to represent each element in a hierarchical structure in the risk model described below. For example, the layers are divided into three layers: a layer including first words (emotions), a layer including second words (behaviors), and a layer including third words (organizational environment). The number of layers and the nature indicated by each layer are not limited to this. The number of layers is determined based on the differences in the nature of each of the multiple evaluation words. The differences in the nature of words are identified with reference to the cognitive structure understood when creating the question group described in embodiment 1. The evaluation words may be classified by a person who references the cognitive structure.

[0115] When the extraction unit 55 acquires information indicating the evaluation words, it extracts, for each layer, factors common to the evaluation words included in that layer (S23: extraction step). Factor extraction is performed using, for example, statistical analysis. The extraction unit 55 performs this extraction for each layer. Here, a word indicating a factor extracted from the evaluation words is referred to as an "element." An element may be any word that represents the evaluation words included in the layer. An element may be any of the evaluation words included in the layer, or may be another word that represents the evaluation words included in the layer. Furthermore, one element may be extracted for one layer, or multiple elements may be extracted for one layer.

[0116] If the evaluation terms included in the question group are used as is to create a risk model, the number of terms may be too large, making it difficult to grasp the mutual influences. By having the extraction unit 55 extract elements from the evaluation terms, the number of terms used to create the risk model can be reduced. By using elements that aggregate evaluation terms, it is possible to create a risk model that makes it easier to grasp the influence between risks and elements, or the influence between elements.

[0117] The analysis unit 56 acquires information indicating the elements extracted by the extraction unit 55 and information indicating the answers obtained from the subject. The analysis unit 56 performs analysis using the information indicating the elements and the information indicating the answers, and quantitatively determines scores that indicate the degree of influence that the evaluation words included in a layer have on the elements that represent that layer (S24: analysis step). For example, the analysis unit 56 determines factor scores in factor analysis or principal component scores in principal component analysis. Here, the sum of the scores obtained based on the evaluation words and elements, or a value obtained using those scores, is referred to as the score of the element.

[0118] The analysis method may be, for example, a statistical analysis method, such as factor analysis, principal component analysis, cluster analysis (K-means or hierarchical cluster analysis), or multidimensional scaling.

[0119] Upon receiving the analysis results from the analysis unit 56, the model creation unit 57 selects components of a risk model based on the analysis results and creates a risk model (S25: model creation process). The analysis results from the analysis unit 56 include information indicating the elements extracted by the extraction unit 55 and scores for the elements obtained based on the responses from the subject. Therefore, the model creation process can also be described as a process of creating an association model including information indicating the relationships between the elements extracted for each layer based on the extracted elements and the responses from the subject. The risk model created by the model creation unit 57 is a hierarchical model created using at least one of a regression statistical method and covariance structure analysis. For example, the model creation unit 57 creates the risk model using a regression statistical method. Specifically, the model creation unit 57 performs, for example, a stepwise regression analysis using the scores of the elements identified by the analysis unit 56. As a result, the model creation unit 57 determines a value indicating the degree to which each element influences surrounding elements while excluding elements with low relevance to the risk for which the model is being created. The surrounding elements may be, for example, elements belonging to a different layer from a given element, or elements belonging to the same layer. Based on the results of the stepwise regression analysis, the model creation unit 57 creates a risk model including information indicating multiple elements that affect a given risk and the relationships between the multiple elements. The model creation unit 57 then outputs the created risk model. The information indicating the relationships between the multiple elements may include, for example, information indicating the connections between the multiple elements, the degree of influence of the elements on the risk, and information indicating the degree of influence of elements other than the element on the given element.

[0120] When creating a model with three or more layers, the model creation unit 57 may perform, for example, structural analysis of covariance (SEM) on the model created as described above to confirm the validity of the model. In this case, the created risk model becomes a so-called hierarchical model. The model creation unit 57 may specify the values ​​of the GFI (AGFI) and RMSEA. The model creation unit 57 may adopt, as the risk model for the target organization, a model in which the GFI is close to 1 in the range of 0 to 1 and the RMSEA is 0.1 or less.

[0121] 10 and 11 are diagrams showing examples of a risk model created using the model creation method according to the present disclosure. The model creation unit 57 may create and output diagrams showing risk models such as those shown in Fig. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 and 11 are examples of risk models showing multiple elements indicating the emotions, behaviors, and environments of subjects related to quality concern risks, and the relationships between the multiple elements.

[0122] Figures 10 and 11 are examples of risk models, showing how lower-level elements affect higher-level elements, with risk at the top. The numbers near the arrows indicate the degree of impact each element has on the risk. The larger the absolute value, the greater the impact from the element at the origin of the arrow to the element at the destination of the arrow.

[0123] FIG. 10 shows an example of a risk model composed of a layer containing elements from the first layer and a layer indicating risks. The risk layer 101 indicates quality concern risks in the target organization. The first element 102 indicates the feeling of "not wanting to be found out" regarding quality concern risks. The second element 103 indicates the behavior of "continuing work despite uncertainty" regarding quality concern risks. The third element 104 indicates an environment in which "it is difficult to consult (with others)" about quality concern risks.

[0124] 10, it can be seen that the quality concern risk in the target organization is influenced by the first element 102, the second element 103, and the third element 104. In addition, it can be seen that the first element 102, which indicates the feeling of "not wanting to be found out," has a particularly large influence on the quality concern risk in the target organization compared to the other elements.

[0125] Figure 11 shows an example of a risk model composed of three layers representing elements and a layer representing risks. The risk layer 111 represents quality concern risks in the target organization. The first layer 112 includes elements representing the behavior of "proceeding with work despite uncertainty." The second layer 113 includes words representing emotions such as "don't want to be found out," "feeling safe," and "it can't be helped / giving up." The third layer 114 includes words representing the environment such as "shortage of personnel" and "difficult to seek advice."

[0126] In Figure 11, the solid arrows indicate a positive correlation between elements. When there is a positive correlation between elements, as the lower-level element in an organization increases, the related higher-level element also increases. For example, there is a positive correlation between the element "difficult to seek advice" and the element "can't be helped / giving up." In this case, it indicates that the more difficult an organization's environment is to seek advice, the stronger the feeling of "can't be helped" among its members.

[0127] Furthermore, the dashed arrows in Figure 11 indicate a negative correlation between elements. When there is a negative correlation between elements, as a lower-level element in an organization increases, the related higher-level element decreases. For example, there is a negative correlation between the element "an environment where it is difficult to seek advice" and the element "feeling safe." In this case, it indicates that the more difficult an organization's environment is to seek advice, the less employees feel "feeling safe."

[0128] In the example shown in Figure 11, as the factor indicating a personnel shortage in the target organization increases, the sense of security among employees decreases, and as a result of this decrease in security, there is a tendency for employees to feel more reluctant to be found out. Also, as shown in Figure 11, in the target organization, as employees' reluctance to be found out increases, there is a tendency for them to continue working without any certainty even if some kind of trouble occurs, and this tendency can potentially manifest as a greater risk of quality concerns.

[0129] As described above, a risk model corresponding to a target organization can be created using the model creation method disclosed herein. The risk model created in this manner indicates which elements of the organization are related to a certain risk, how each element relates to and affects the risk, and to what extent each element affects the risk. This makes it possible to use the risk model to evaluate the risks faced by the target organization, the organizational culture of the target organization, and so on. Furthermore, by using the risk model described above, it is possible to identify the causes of risks in the target organization or the elements that affect the risks.

[0130] Fourth Embodiment The question group creation device 1, the evaluation device 3, and the model creation device 5 according to the above-described embodiments are not limited to being separate computers. For example, a single computer may have the functions of the evaluation device 3 and the model creation device 5, or a single computer may have the functions of the question group creation device 1, the evaluation device 3, and the model creation device 5.

[0131] [Example of implementation using software] The functions of the question group creation device 1, the evaluation device 3, and the model creation device 5 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 11, control unit 31, and control unit 51).

[0132] In this case, each of the above devices includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the above program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the above program using the control device and storage device.

[0133] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0134] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0135] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0136] [Summary 1] The question group creation method according to aspect A1 of the present invention is a question group creation method for creating a question group for diagnosing the organizational culture of a target organization, and includes the following steps: an input step of inputting into a computer a group of words extracted from answers to questions presented to each of a plurality of sample persons who, as members of a virtual organization, experienced a hypothetical scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in the virtual organization, the group of words including at least (1) a first word expressing an emotion, (2) a second word expressing an action, and (3) a third word expressing the organizational environment at the time of the occurrence of the abnormal event; a selection step of selecting by a computer from the input group of words a group of evaluation words that will serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; and an output step of outputting by a computer the selected group of evaluation words to create a group of questions to be answered by subjects belonging to the target organization.

[0137] The question group creation method according to aspect A2 of the present invention may further include a creation step in which a computer creates a question group to be answered by a subject belonging to the target organization who has experienced the virtual scenario in aspect A1 above, the question group including questions that include a question statement related to the virtual scenario and answer options to the question statement, and at least one of the question statement and the answer options includes at least one of a group of evaluation words that serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization.

[0138] A question group creation method according to aspect A3 of the present invention, in either aspect A1 or A2 above, may involve, in the input step, inputting into a computer, together with the word groups, related words extracted from answers to questions from each of the sample subjects asking about the relationship between at least one of the word groups, such as (i) a higher-level concept expressing a psychological meaning, (ii) a lower-level concept expressing an objective factor or environmental state, and / or (iii) a word included in the word group and a word indicating the higher-level concept, or a word included in the word group and a word indicating the lower-level concept, and in the selection step, the computer may select the evaluation word group from the word group and the related words.

[0139] In the question group creation method according to aspect A4 of the present invention, in any of the above aspects A1 to A3, in the selection step, the computer may construct a cognitive structure model that hierarchically expresses the cognitive structures of the multiple sample subjects regarding the occurrence of the abnormal event based on an evaluation grid method, and select the group of evaluation words based on the cognitive structure model.

[0140] The question group creation method according to aspect A5 of the present invention, in any of the above aspects A1 to A4, may allow the plurality of subjects to simulate an experience of the virtual scenario by at least one of having them watch a video that represents the virtual scenario, having them visually recognize a picture or text that represents the virtual scenario, and having them listen to audio that explains the virtual scenario.

[0141] A method for creating a question group according to aspect A6 of the present invention is any one of aspects A1 to A5 above, wherein the first words may be words that express the feelings and / or impressions of each of the sample subjects at the time the abnormal event occurred.

[0142] A question group creation method according to aspect A7 of the present invention is any of the above aspects A1 to A6, in which the second words may be words expressing the judgment and / or behavior of each of the sample subjects when the abnormal event occurs.

[0143] A question group creation method according to A8 of the present invention is any one of A1 to A7 above, wherein the third words may be words that express the atmosphere and / or human relationships of the virtual organization.

[0144] A question group creation method according to aspect A9 of the present invention, in any of the above aspects A1 to A8, may be such that the hypothetical scenario includes the occurrence of an abnormal event that a subject belonging to the target organization may actually experience in the target organization.

[0145] A question set creation method according to Aspect A10 of the present invention is any one of Aspects A1 to A9, in which the sampler does not have to belong to the target organization.

[0146] A question group creation method according to aspect A11 of the present invention is any one of aspects A1 to A10, in which the virtual organization may be the same as the target organization.

[0147] A question set creation method according to Aspect A12 of the present invention is any one of Aspects A1 to A10, wherein the samplers may include members of the target organization.

[0148] A control program according to aspect A13 of the present invention is a control program for causing one or more computers to execute a process for creating a set of questions for diagnosing the organizational culture of a target organization, the process including: an input step of inputting into a computer a group of words extracted from answers to questions presented to each of a plurality of sample persons who experienced a hypothetical scenario in which an abnormal event occurred in the virtual organization as members of the virtual organization, the group including at least (1) a first word expressing an emotion, (2) a second word expressing an action, and (3) a third word expressing the organizational environment at the time of the occurrence of the abnormal event; a selection step of selecting by a computer from the input group of words a group of evaluation words that will serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; and an output step of outputting by a computer the selected group of evaluation words in order to create a group of questions to be answered by subjects belonging to the target organization.

[0149] [Summary 2] The evaluation method according to aspect B1 of the present invention includes: a virtual scenario experiencing step in which a subject belonging to a target organization is made to experience, as a member of the virtual organization, a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in the virtual organization; an acquisition step in which a computer acquires answers from the subject to a group of questions including a plurality of questions each including a question related to the virtual scenario and answer options to the question, wherein at least one of the question and the answer options includes at least one evaluative term that serves as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; and an evaluation step in which a computer evaluates the organizational culture of the target organization based on the acquired answers, wherein at least some of the evaluative terms included in the plurality of questions are pre-classified into at least one of human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and awareness of the subject.

[0150] In the evaluation method according to aspect B2 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect B1, in the obtaining step, a computer may convert the subject's answer to a question in which the answer options include at least one of a group of evaluation words that serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization into a numerical value or information that can be converted into a numerical value.

[0151] In the evaluation method according to aspect B3 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspects B1 or B2, the evaluation words may be selected from a group of words including words expressing emotions, behaviors, and organizational environment at the time of the occurrence of the abnormal event, extracted from answers obtained as a result of questioning sample members who have previously experienced the virtual scenario as members of the virtual organization.

[0152] A control program according to aspect B4 of the present invention is a control program for causing one or more computers to execute processing for evaluating the organizational culture of a target organization in any of the above aspects B1 to B3, the processing including: a virtual scenario experiencing step in which a subject belonging to the target organization experiences a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in a virtual organization as a member of the virtual organization; an acquisition step in which a computer acquires answers from the subject to a group of questions including a plurality of questions each including a question related to the virtual scenario and answer options to the question, wherein at least one of the question and the answer options includes at least one evaluative term that serves as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; and an evaluation step in which a computer evaluates the organizational culture of the target organization based on the acquired answers, wherein at least some of the evaluative terms included in the plurality of questions are pre-classified into at least one of human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and the consciousness of the subject.

[0153] [Summary 3] A model creation method according to aspect C1 of the present invention includes: a virtual scenario experiencing step in which a subject belonging to a target organization experiences, as a member of the virtual organization, a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in the virtual organization; an acquisition step in which a computer acquires answers from the subject to a group of questions including a question statement related to the virtual scenario and answer options to the question statement, wherein at least one of the question statement and the answer options includes at least one evaluation term that serves as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; an extraction step in which a computer extracts, for each layer indicating the nature of the words, elements that are words that indicate factors common to the evaluation terms included in the group of questions; and a model creation step in which a computer creates an association model including information that indicates the relationships between the elements extracted for each layer, based on the extracted elements and the answers, wherein at least some of the evaluation terms included in the group of questions are pre-classified into at least one of human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and consciousness of the subject.

[0154] The model creation method according to aspect C2 of the present invention may be the same as in aspect C1 above, further comprising an analysis step in which the computer determines a score indicating the magnitude of influence of the evaluation term on the extracted element, and in the model creation step, the association model may be created using the determined score.

[0155] In the model creation method according to aspect C3 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspects C1 or C2, the information indicating the relationship between the elements may include information indicating the degree of influence that one of the elements has on another element different from the element in question.

[0156] A model creation method according to aspect C4 of the present invention is any one of aspects C1 to C3 above, wherein the association model may be a hierarchical model created using at least one of a regression statistical method and covariance structure analysis.

[0157] A model creation method according to aspect C5 of the present invention is a control program for causing one or more computers to execute processing for creating an association model, the processing including: a virtual scenario experiencing step in which a subject belonging to a target organization experiences, as a member of the virtual organization, a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in the virtual organization; an acquisition step in which the computer acquires answers from the subject to a group of questions including a question statement related to the virtual scenario and answer options to the question statement, wherein at least one of the question statement and the answer options includes at least one evaluative term that serves as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; an extraction step in which the computer extracts elements, which are words that indicate factors common to the evaluative terms included in the group of questions, for each layer that indicates the nature of the words; and a model creation step in which the computer creates an association model based on the extracted elements and the answers, the association model including information indicating the relationships between the elements extracted for each layer, wherein at least some of the evaluative terms included in the group of questions are pre-classified into at least one of human relationships within the target organization, behavioral patterns within the target organization, and consciousness of the subject.

[0158] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0159] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Question group creation device 3 Evaluation device 5 Model creation device 14 Input unit 15 Selection unit 16 Output unit 17 Creation unit 34 Acquisition unit 36 ​​Evaluation unit 54 Acquisition unit 55 Extraction unit 56 Analysis unit 57 Model creation unit S1 Input process S2 Selection process S3 Output process S4 Creation process S11 Virtual scenario experience process S12 Acquisition process S14 Evaluation process S21 Virtual scenario experience process S22 Acquisition process S23 Extraction process S24 Analysis process S25 Model creation process

Claims

1. A question group creation method for creating a group of questions to diagnose the organizational culture of a target organization, comprising: an input step of inputting into a computer a group of words including at least (1) a first word expressing an emotion, (2) a second word expressing an action, and (3) a third word expressing the organizational environment at the time of the occurrence of an abnormal event, the group of words being extracted from answers to questions presented to each of a plurality of subjects who experienced a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in the virtual organization as a member of the virtual organization; a selection step of selecting by a computer from the input group of words a group of evaluation words that will serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; and an output step of outputting by a computer the selected group of evaluation words to create a group of questions to be answered by subjects belonging to the target organization.

2. The question group creation method of claim 1, further comprising a creation step of creating, by a computer, a question group including a plurality of questions to be answered by subjects belonging to the target organization who have experienced the virtual scenario, the question group including a question statement related to the virtual scenario and answer options to the question statement, the question statement and / or the answer options including at least one of a group of evaluation words serving as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization.

3. A question group creation method as described in claim 1, wherein, in the input step, for each of the sample subjects, at least one of the groups of words represented by (i) a superordinate concept expressing a psychological meaning, (ii) a subordinate concept expressing an objective factor or environmental state, and / or (iii) related words extracted from answers to questions asking about the relationship between a word included in the group of words and a word indicating the superordinate concept, or a word included in the group of words and a word indicating the subordinate concept, is input into a computer together with the group of words; and, in the selection step, the computer selects the group of evaluation words from the group of words and the related words.

4. The question group creation method described in claim 1, wherein in the selection step, a computer constructs a cognitive structure model that hierarchically expresses the cognitive structures of the multiple sample persons regarding the occurrence of the abnormal event based on an evaluation grid method, and selects the group of evaluation words based on the cognitive structure model.

5. A method for creating a group of questions as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality of subjects are allowed to simulate an experience of the virtual scenario by at least one of watching a video that depicts the virtual scenario, visually viewing pictures or text that depict the virtual scenario, and listening to audio that explains the virtual scenario.

6. The method for creating a group of questions according to claim 1, wherein the first words include words expressing the emotions and / or impressions of each of the sample subjects at the time when the abnormal event occurred.

7. The method for creating a group of questions according to claim 1, wherein the second words include words expressing the judgment and / or action of each of the sample persons when the abnormal event occurs.

8. The method for creating a group of questions according to claim 1, wherein the third words include words expressing an atmosphere and / or human relationships in the virtual organization.

9. The method for creating a group of questions according to claim 1, wherein the hypothetical scenario includes the occurrence of an abnormal event that a subject belonging to the target organization may actually experience in the target organization.

10. The method for creating a set of questions according to claim 1, wherein the sample persons do not belong to the target organization.

11. The method of creating a group of questions according to claim 1, wherein the virtual organization is the same as the target organization.

12. The method for creating a question group according to claim 1, wherein the sample includes members belonging to the target organization.

13. A control program for causing one or more computers to execute a process for creating a group of questions for diagnosing the organizational culture of a target organization, the process including: an input process for inputting into a computer a group of words including at least (1) a first word expressing an emotion, (2) a second word expressing an action, and (3) a third word expressing the organizational environment at the time of the occurrence of an abnormal event, the group of words being extracted from answers to questions presented to each of a plurality of subjects who experienced a virtual scenario in which an abnormal event occurs in the virtual organization as a member of the virtual organization; a selection process for selecting by a computer from the input group of words a group of evaluation words that will serve as a measure for evaluating the organizational culture of the target organization; and an output process for outputting by a computer the selected group of evaluation words in order to create a group of questions to be answered by subjects belonging to the target organization.

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