The value of values at work

[Betsy]

Until the modern corporation and management
science emerged in the 20th century, most
companies were shaped and ruled by the
personalities of their founders or charismatic
leaders. How important do you think founders are
—and how important should they be? Do you
believe it’s important for organizations to adopt a
shared set of values that guide all employees no
matter who is in charge? If so, how should those
values be decided?

[Hisasshi]

A company is a kind of living organization which consists of functions and will like human beings. All the functions are shaped as divisions or department to run the business together with other divisions and will should be shared by these divisions as belief and values. Especially in the early stage of the company, the portion of the founder's will is very important as the functions and collaboration of the divisions are not enough to run their roles. Also we have to remind the belief and value of the company periodically to integrate the functions divided to deal more specialized issues.

[Steve]

Betsy wrote: "Until the modern corporation and management
science emerged in the 20th century, most
companies were shaped and ruled by the
personalities of their founders or charismatic
leaders. How importan..."

Betsy wrote: "Until the modern corporation and management
science emerged in the 20th century, most
companies were shaped and ruled by the
personalities of their founders or charismatic
leaders. How importan..."

I think the founder(s) of a company are vitally important. They set the vision and establish the initial culture. And, if they have a good vision and a set of sustainable values, those things will help the company adapt and survive for many years. Look at Steve Jobs. His vision and values stuck with Apple and its customers during the long period when he was gone. After he returned, he revitalized them.

[Steve]

Hisasshi wrote: "A company is a kind of living organization which consists of functions and will like human beings. All the functions are shaped as divisions or department to run the business together with other d..."

This is an important observation. Indeed, companies are like human beings--like living organisms. It's a useful exercise for people to figure out the character of the company they work for and to understand how they fit in.