Burke-Litwin Causal Model Of Organizational Performance

The Burke-Litwin Causal Model of Organizational Performance and .Change (B-L Model), was developed by George H. Litwin and later refined by W. Warner Burke in the late 1980's. This model includes several key features: twelve theoretical constructs (i.e., organizational variables), distinguishes between the culture and the climate of an organization, distinguishes between transformational and transactional dynamics, specifies the nature and direction of influence of organizational variables, and based on previous models, empirical studies, and organizational development practice.

The B-L Model identifies twelve organizational variables as the external environment, mission and strategy, leadership, organizational culture, structure, management practices, systems, work unit climate, task requirements and individual skills, motivation, individual needs and values, and individual and organizational performance. With representation of the external environment as a variable, it should be apparent that the open systems theory underlies this model. The external environment variable is the input into the system, with the individual and organizational performance variable representing the output. The external environment includes exterior conditions or situations that influence the performance of the organization.