Organizational Development has matured hand in hand with the stages of human societal development. This development has been described in several ways by different experts.
Anthropological studies have observed a minimum of 5 clear organizational models in human history. Philosopher Ken Wilbur's technique of using colors to describe the non-linear growth of human societies is borrowed for convenience to name the sequential stages of management evolution as well.
This PowerPoint presentation outlines the Teal Management Framework that describes the growth of human societies to classify organizations of each human era. Grounded on the principles of philosopher Ken Wilbur's technique of using colors, Frederic Laloux utilized the colors red, amber, orange, green, and teal to identify the 5 distinct stages in organizational evolution, corresponding to the evolution of human society.
Teal Management represents the 5th, most evolved stage of management. This level is achieved when an organization combines self-management and efficiency. It's not just a way of reaching objectives—the organization has its own evolutionary purpose. The main intention of Teal Management is to find more profound elements for organizational existence that both entice employees and drive profits
The Teal Management Model is based on 3 key pillars:
1. Self-Management – Teal Organizations do not operate in hierarchies like traditional organizations. They adopt decentralization, which indicates order and clear direction.
2. Wholeness – Teal Organizations allow for and encourage the emotional facet, so as to make every participant of the team feel as wholesome as possible. They have an atmosphere where employees are at liberty to completely express themselves.
3. Evolutionary Purpose – Teal Organizations are persistently adjusting and progressing. They endeavor to evolve is through a process of scrutiny, search, and discovery in which all employees take part.
This PPT presentation on Teal Management also includes guiding principles for developing a Teal Organization, as well as a number of examples of Teal Organizations across the world. Further, it includes several PowerPoint slide templates depicting the (1) Stages of Management Evolution and (2) 3 Key Pillars of Teal Management.
Teal Management emphasizes continuous learning and knowledge-sharing, fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to take initiative and make decisions. This approach leads to a more agile, responsive organization that can adapt to changing market conditions with ease.
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Source: Best Practices in Organizational Design, Self-organization, Teal Management PowerPoint Slides: Teal Management PowerPoint (PPTX) Presentation Slide Deck, LearnPPT Consulting
This PPT slide presents examples of organizations that have successfully implemented the Teal Management Model, showcasing 3 distinct entities: Resources for Human Development (RHD), Sun Hydraulics, and Zappos. Each organization exemplifies unique aspects of this management approach, which emphasizes self-management and employee empowerment.
RHD is characterized as a not-for-profit social service organization with a workforce of 4,000 across 14 U.S. states. Its focus on addiction rehabilitation, homelessness, and mental health highlights the model's adaptability to social impact sectors. The scale of RHD indicates that the Teal Management Model can be effectively applied in diverse organizational contexts, particularly in service-oriented environments.
Sun Hydraulics employs around 900 personnel and specializes in manufacturing hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds. With operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Korea, this example illustrates how the Teal approach can thrive in a manufacturing setting. The emphasis on employee autonomy in such a technical field suggests that the model can enhance operational efficiency and innovation.
Zappos, known for its unique corporate culture, employs self-management through roles organized in 'circles' tied to specific functions. This horizontal structure promotes agility and responsiveness, aligning with the core principles of the Teal Management Model. Zappos serves as a prime example of how retail and service sectors can leverage this model to foster a motivated workforce.
The concluding note emphasizes that while these organizations may not match the scale of larger corporations, they each employ a minimum of 100 people and have operated for at least 5 years, demonstrating the model's viability across various sizes and industries. This insight can be particularly valuable for potential customers considering the implementation of similar management frameworks.
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Organizational Design Maturity Model Current State Assessment Consulting Frameworks Gap Analysis Core Competencies McKinsey 7-S Organizational Behavior Restructuring Growth Strategy Organizational Structure
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