Identifying Your Organization’s Values
Thinking about investors
Economists argue that when it comes to company values, you really have to worry about only one significant group: the shareholders. On paper, at least, the shareholders are the true owners of the firm, and they deserve your undivided attention. In this view of the world, managers are simply paid agents of those who own the company, no matter how far removed those owners may be, and you don’t need to know much more about values except to carry out your to know much more about values except to carry out your shareholders’ wishes.
Considering the rest of the crew
If you think about it, you may be surprised at how many types of people are involved in what your company does – everyone from suppliers to distributors and from bankers to customers. Each group has its own set of interests and looks to your company to fulfil a series of promises. The explicit promises that you make may take the form of legal agreements, licenses, freelance agreements, or purchase orders. Your implicit promises represent the unwritten purchase orders. Your implicit promises represent the unwritten expectations of the various groups that have dealings with your company.
Existing beliefs and principles
Drawing up a list of abstract beliefs and principles is one thing, putting those beliefs to the test is another? Tough choices come along, forcing you to examine your beliefs closely. If you run a oneperson company, you already know something about what you stand for. If you’re part of a bigger company, chances are that certain beliefs and values are inherent in the way in which your company does business. The best way to get to the heart of those beliefs and principles is to imagine how you’d respond to tough dilemmas.You Get all Info About Bathtubs
Putting Together the Values Statement
When you’ve a good idea of just who your company’s stakeholders are, and when you’ve got to grips with the general beliefs and principles that your company already holds, you have to bring these two worlds together. But how do you create a written statement of values based on those general beliefs and principles that also guide your company toward doing the right thing in the eyes of all your stakeholders? First, keep in mind that your company’s values statement represents first, keep in mind that your company’s values statement represents more than a quick to-do list. Your values reach beyond quarterly goals or even yearly targets. They’re meant to guide you through those tough decisions as you build a sustainable business that lasts and grows over years and decades.
Preparing a values statement – the full Monty
Why is the quick way to create a values statement not always good enough? If you’re part of a large firm, the quick way relies heavily on the ideas and suggestions of people at the top of the organization. Yet the best insights on company values often come from employees themselves – people from different backgrounds and various levels in the company who can draw on a range of business experiences.see more info Godaddy Email Login
Last Word
Make sure that every employee receives a copy of your company’s values statement, along with an explanation of its purpose. If you’re in business for yourself, place a framed copy of the values statement near your desk or (if you work from home) stick it on the fridge. Don’t let it gather dust. For a bigger company, print the values statement on wallet-sized cards, and don’t forget to include it in the annual report. Your company’s values must be referred to, relied on and understood to be a guiding force in the actions and activities of every person who represents your company.