What is a characteristic of hard elements in the McKinsey 7s Model?

In the McKinsey 7S Model, hard elements refer to the tangible, easily identifiable components of an organization that can be clearly articulated and measured. These include Strategy, Structure, Systems, and Processes. The characteristic of being easily identified and influenced by management is accurate because these hard elements are concrete aspects of an organization that leaders can directly shape and modify through policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives.

Focusing on the other options, the intangible nature and influence of culture are attributes of soft elements, not hard elements. Shared values and staff refer specifically to the soft elements in the model that are more about the culture and human aspects of an organization. Similarly, customer interactions are also part of a broader context that involves how an organization engages with its external environment and stakeholders, fitting better into the domains of soft elements rather than the hard elements that are under direct managerial influence.