DISCUSSION RESPONSE

COMMENT ON MY CLASSMATES RESPONSES BELOW. YOU CAN ASK TECHNICAL QUESTIONS OR RESPOND GENERALLY TO THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE 200 WORDS

Q.1 Discuss at least three action items related to your organization's vision.

ANSWER: Change is constant, however, implementing change is difficult as there is always opposition.  Yet, these are the times leaders have the opportunity to promote growth in their teams and provide opportunities to build capacity beyond the norm.  The first action will be to re-visit the vision statement. 

 

Second, is to re-visit the mission statement and have everyone be involved in its creation.  Last but not the least, goals and objectives of the organization must be clearly stated and make sure they are understood.  Caldwell et al. (2015) noted that “seeking virtuous objectives is the moral duty of all leaders”.   Therefore, company goals and objectives must be shared and communicated to appropriate stakeholders.  Followers must be involved in this process to garner their support and create a sense of ownership. 

 

In a study by Dharby (2012), he noted that employees felt ownership was required if a vision statement were to make an impact on their behaviors and attitudes.  Employees must feel connected to and in support of the company’s vision, mission and goals.  A strong vision can promote motivation and satisfaction among employees.  Happy employees mean an increase in productivity and a decrease in turnover. Our organization consist of 9 people so we cannot afford to lose anyone.

 

Q. 2 Discuss how the organizational vision can influence ethics in an organization. 

ANSWER: A strong vision statement can encourage and motivate people to do the right thing.  A vision statement can influence ethical behavior if company values and work ethics are part of the company vision.  Vision statements must have endurance as it “guides and perpetuates corporate existence” (Papulova, 2014).   A vision must promote stability, inspire, futuristic and clear as managers and employees will use it as a guide as they carry out their daily responsibilities.  Kantabuntra & Avery (2010) stated that powerful visions impact follower satisfaction.   A strong vision will enable followers to be more productive and increase job satisfaction.  Job satisfaction promote ethical, moral values and longevity. 

 

Q.3 How does modeling relate to the vision?

ANSWER: Leaders are role models and thereby have influence over followers.  By their actions and words, leaders can either successfully steer followers and organizations in the desired direction; or encounter obstacles at every turn.  As role models, leaders must inspire, motivate and empower their followers.  They must keep high ethical standards and enforce disciplinary actions when appropriate, at the same time, ensure that proper procedures are in place for such measures.  Ndalamba et al. (2017) concluded that leaders will better guide and serve their followers and organizations when they refine their vision and honestly carry out their responsibilities.

 

When I first started working for the local EPA, the person that was my immediate supervisor was not the director, yet, she was the one making decisions.  The actual director was just a figure-head who was appointed by the governor.  The decision-maker was sent down by USEPA Region IX to train and build capacity of the local staff, and leave after 2-3 years.  However, this did not happen and she ended up staying.  The lines soon became blurred as she became better acquainted with senior management of organizations regulated by ASEPA.  This created problems as staff tried to enforce environmental compliance.  While violations were cited, none was reported. 

 

When Peter and Edna came in 2001, they communicated their vision, mission, goals and objectives for the agency.  Reorganization began and people were finally placed accordingly.  Through empowerment, modeling, coaching and mentoring, Peter and Edna were able to implement changes that were embraced by staff.  There was resistance but only two people.  Peter and Edna left in 2007 but the agency is healthy and continue to effectively carry out its daily operations and commitment to the people, government and environment of American Samoa. 

Malelega Tuiolosega