Values in Highly Successful Organizations

Kouzes and Posner (1995) adapt three central themes from management professors David Caldwell and Charles ORielly with respect to the values that are practiced in highly successful organizations: "(1) High performance standards; (2) A caring attitude toward people; (3) A sense of uniqueness and pride" (p. 216).

It is fascinating to note that while each of the organizations studied had different business strategies, they had important core values in common. The highly successful organizations exhibited many other values but three central values that were present stressed a commitment to excellence, a concern for how others were being treated, and a sense of pride in the organization. These values must be ever present and easily measurable when interacting with employees. Employees must allow the values to influence how they work. High performance, a caring attitude, and pride in the organization must be endorsed and supported throughout the organization.

Reference

Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B.Z. (1995). The leadership challenge (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.