Ldg W/ Wisdom, Vision & Value

3.2 Discussion. Values - The Guiding Principles

Getting Started

At this point in the course, we have considered the roles of mission and vision in leading organizations. We also used Drucker’s Five Questions to think more deeply about how our mission and vision may be implemented effectively. In this discussion forum, we will consider how organizational values provide an important foundation upon which strategic planning may be executed well. Three resources are provided to lend insights into our discussion. The Harvard Business Review article details how a former CEO of a large insurance company used values to drive strategic planning. In addition, two short videos illustrate how different organizations apply values to their strategic planning processes, as well. Your initial post will be informed by these three resources as you identify how values may be used in strategic planning, as well as to consider how you would apply these principles in the organization you have chosen for your Course Project. As you engage with this topic, build on your learning from the LDR-260 Critical Thinking course in considering the differences between “espoused values” (what we  say we value) and “in-use values” (what we  actually value, as evidenced in our actions and attitudes). Many organizations experience significant disconnects between these two important concepts. An example of this are corporations that promote their concern about human rights but choose to conduct business in countries where human rights violations are common.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Analyze the relationship of organizational values to the strategic planning process.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read the article:  How I Did It: The Former CEO of Guardian on Using Values to Drive Strategic Planning (new tab) . 

3. View the YouTube video: Values Based Strategic Planning.

4. View the YouTube video: The Core Values: Hawken’s Strategic Planning Process.

5. In your initial discussion post (300–350 words), based on the assigned article and videos, share your understanding of how organizational values are useful to the organizational strategic planning process. Then, discuss the two values that seem most crucial in your chosen organization (for the Course Project), explaining how you would link them to your strategic plans. Address how you would ensure that espoused values align with the values to which your organization would actually apply and use, as well as the risks posed when there is a disconnect between the two. Please feel free to incorporate your cultural background/perspective into the reflection.

6. Post your initial posting no later than Day 4 of the workshop week.

7. Respond to at least two others’ postings (150–200 words each) on two different days, by the end of the workshop. Simply responding with a sentence that reflects agreement with others’ postings is not an acceptable response. Instead, be sure to advance the discussion. In other words, build upon what has been posted so that our collective learning is enriched.

8. Be sure to incorporate at least two additional sources beyond assigned material in this course.