Business leaders today know they can’t ignore public controversies and crises. Comfortably objective, amoral stances don’t fly when customers and employees care deeply about issues or when they feel under siege. And yet, when controversy strikes and crises flare up, companies often struggle to respond. When, how, and on which issues should they stake out positions?
Unifying Your Company Around a Moral Goal
Three strategies for building a “moral community.”
November 22, 2023
HBR Staff/Unsplash
Summary.
In turbulent times, companies need a reliable anchor to guide decision-making. When organizations become moral communities, underpinned by purpose, they provide that stability for stakeholders as well as a reassuring sense of hope, solidarity, agency, and meaning. Three strategies can help. First, tell a big story about what your organization believes in and what it is trying to accomplish. Second, treat purpose as an organizing principle that guides company structure, strategy, and culture. Third, model courageous, purpose-driven leadership yourself.
New!
HBR Learning
Ethics at Work Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Ethics at Work. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Avoid integrity traps in the workplace.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Ethics at Work Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Ethics at Work. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Avoid integrity traps in the workplace.