Organizational Principles
Organizational principles are a set of guidelines that outline the expectations of individuals involved within an organizational setting. The principles dictate the fundamental beliefs and values of the organization and its members, and set the tone for how decisions are made and conflicts can be resolved. They provide a framework for the organization to work within, and serve as the basis for policies, procedures, and work guidelines. In other words, organizational principles form the basis for the culture of the organization.
Organizational principles can take many forms; from high-level mission and vision statements to specific procedures and policies, each organization will have its own unique set of workplace principles. When forming organizational principles, it is important that they are put in writing and communicated clearly to all involved, so that there is no confusion about expectations.
Organizational principles help create a sense of unity among the members of the organization. This unifying purpose helps strengthen the overall morale and commitment of the organization, as everyone is more aware of the overall vision and mission of the enterprise. Having strong organizational principles also helps to maintain professional and ethical standards within the organization.
High-level organizational principles can include inspiring statements about the the organizations core mission and beliefs, such as:
We will always be committed to excellence in our interactions and in our delivery of products and services.
We strive to create a work environment that empowers our members to reach their highest potential, by creating experiences that promote personal growth and development.
We are committed to creating an environment that values integrity, respect, and collaborative teamwork.
Having a set of defined organizational principles can also help in decision-making and conflict resolution. Having goals and values to fall back on helps stay focused on the organizations mission and provides a benchmark for evaluating any decisions. It helps prevent the organization from falling into self-destructive practices or any type of decisions that could be detrimental to the organizations core mission.
Organizational principles can also help to provide feedback on existing processes and procedures. By having a set of guidelines to reference, an organization can quickly assess what is working and what is not. This allows the organization to quickly identify where problems and weaknesses may exist, which can lead to potential solutions.
Organizational principles are also important for positioning the organization in the marketplace. As a business, it is important to have a unified identity that is distinct from others, so that customers and potential partners can become familiar with and trust the group. Having a set of principles that outlines core values and goals can help generate that necessary trust, and show customers and others that the group is professionally dedicated to its mission.
In conclusion, organizational principles are an important part of the success of any organization. They provide a set of guidelines for the organization, help maintain focus on the core mission, and provide a framework for decision-making and conflict resolution. Most importantly, they help to maintain a distinct identity within the marketplace, allowing an organization to stand out from the crowd. By having a set of clearly defined organizational principles, any organization can create a successful and unified environment within its workplace.
