Basic Description
The belief system which drives behaviors in alignment with achieving the vision and mission. These are the behavior expectations of the organization and the driving force behind cultural evolution.
In any institution—whether it’s a country, a business, or another organization—the foundation of a cohesive culture lies in aligning with core values. It’s not enough to simply agree with or promote those values; they must be actively lived and demonstrated. One of the most pervasive issues in organizations today is the existence of values that are not practiced. People quickly recognize this disconnect, and it leads to a loss of trust and credibility. To foster true alignment, we must mean what we say, say what we mean, and follow through with consistent actions that reflect those values.
Values are the principles and beliefs that guide behavior within the organization. They answer the question: “How do we act, and what do we stand for?” Values shape the way decisions are made, how conflicts are resolved, and how people treat each other. When values are clear and lived authentically, they provide a moral compass that helps people navigate challenges and stay true to the organization’s identity. However, values must be more than words on a wall—they need to be demonstrated through actions at every level of the organization. A strong culture is built on the consistent, visible practice of core values.