There are three main types of writing models that can be used to produce documents in organizations:

Model 1. The Lone Writer, where one person does most of the writing for the organization

Model 2. The Writing Shop, where a bank of writing specialists produce documentation

Model 3. The Collaborative Team, where various writers and subject matter experts share roles and responsibilities to produce documents

These diagrams describe the process, and what can happen when documents are produced by each model

The lone writer gets documents written without bothering anyone else in the organization. But there is little assurance of business continuity in this approach. Organizational learning is not encouraged in the process of document preparation.

The writing shop is a group commonly found in organizations. It can get a lot of writing done, but does it meet all the needs of the organization? Often, it is a collective of lone writers who divide up the project assignments.

Collaborative teams are made up of people with writing abilities and knowledge to contribute. They including writers and any specialists, experts and helpful people from the organization that can help with the project. They agree to share resources, roles, and responsibilities to produce the document. Business continuity is enhanced and learning can be transferred to the next assignment.

For more information on writing in organizations, contact me at info@christinehastie.com.

Featured image is Transition High Street Group Process by the Transition Network via Photo pin