A Bibliometric Study of the McKinsey 7S Model and Insights from its Application to the Kurukshetra War

Abstract: This bibliometric analysis discusses the application and impact of the McKinsey 7S Model in organizational management and strategy, drawing a parallel with the context of the Kurukshetra war from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The 7S Model identifies seven crucial internal elements—strategy, structure, systems, style, staff, skills, and shared values—that must align for organizational effectiveness. Through a systematic literature review, this study examines citations across academic and professional literature to explore how organizations utilize the 7S Model to diagnose issues, implement changes, and formulate strategies for improved performance. By paralleling its application to the Kurukshetra war, the analysis offers insights into the enduring relevance and cross-contextual applicability of the 7S Model in diverse organizational and historical settings. Keywords: McKinsey 7S Model, Organizational management, Strategy, Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership, Performance Metrics, Kurukshetra War, Mahabharata JEL Classification Number: M10, M12, M19