Leaders know company value statements often become nothing more than cosmetic window dressing. What appears less common is their understanding of the destructive consequences of allowing that to happen. They reflexively grasp for the culture lever, assuming the act of crafting and publishing a set of values actually has the power to do something. They are shocked when cynicism, resentment, eventually settling on indifference, are how the organization actually responds.
How Corporate Values Get Hijacked and Misused
It leads to cynical employees and low morale.
May 29, 2017
Summary.
What happens when company value statements become cosmetic window dressing? Values end up being coopted and misused, which leads to employee cynicism and low morale. This occurs in several different ways. Values become a weapon to push or play politics, which shuts down any productive conversation. Values can also be used to deflect attention away from misconduct and offer an illusion of change when, in fact, little change has occurred.
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Change may be the only constant in today's organizations. Here's how to lead through it.
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New!
HBR Learning
Change Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Change Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Change may be the only constant in today's organizations. Here's how to lead through it.