"What will become compellingly important is absolute clarity of shared purpose and set of principles of conduct sort of institutional genetic code that every member of the organization understands in a common way, and with deep conviction"
About this Quote
Dee Hock's quote stresses the vital significance of having a clear and shared function within an organization. At its core, this statement highlights the need of an unified vision and a cohesive set of concepts that direct every member of an organization, forming their actions and decisions.
The phrase "outright clarity of shared function" recommends that for a company to prosper and attain its goals, everybody within it must have a clear understanding of what the company is making every effort to achieve. This shared purpose functions as a north star, aligning efforts and guaranteeing that all members are working towards a common objective. When the function is clear, it reduces misconceptions and misalignments that can cause ineffectiveness or disputes.
Additionally, the "set of principles of conduct" describes the core values and ethical requirements that govern habits within the company. These concepts function as the moral compass, guiding actions and interactions both internally and externally. Hock likens these principles to an "institutional genetic code", indicating that they are essential to the company's identity and working, just like DNA is to a living organism. Just as genetic code determines the nature and attributes of an organism, these principles form the organizational culture and affect how members communicate with one another, make decisions, and engage with stakeholders.
For these concepts to be reliable, they must be comprehended "in a typical method, and with deep conviction" by every organizational member. This suggests that beyond simple arrangement, there should be a profound belief and commitment to these shared functions and principles. Such deep conviction guarantees that individuals not only adhere to these guidelines however also internalize them, cultivating a strong, cohesive, and resilient organizational culture.
In essence, Hock's quote is a call to leaders and organizations to focus on crafting a clear and engaging shared vision and a robust ethical structure. These aspects are crucial for ensuring organizational coherence and efficiency in accomplishing long-term success.