Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
degenerated into a group of people entangled in the quagmire of inefficiency, cross-
purpose, unionism, legalism, and corruption. The basic principles underlying the
making of a sustained, growing, and effective organisation are few and simple but,
alas, not easy to put into practice.
8.2.1
A Sound Value System
An organisation must be clear about its basic values. It should take time in defining
these values, crafting them into a mission statement and preferably a credo, and
then do everything possible to let these values be understood and accepted among its
members. The values should always be clear, easily understood, aimed at achieving
the basic goals of the organisation, and based on sound moral values and ethical
standards. The values of integrity, hard work, professional competence, and moral
conduct are indispensable for any organisation. However, there may be some specific
strengths, and guiding values, that the organisation may specially care for, which
give it a unique character. A distinct character forms a rallying point, gives a sense
of special belonging, and thereby acts as a source of inner strength.
A vision statement is the briefest expression of the basic aims and objectives of
an organisation. It points to the beacon towards which the organisation is supposed
to journey. It should be simple and easily understood. If each functional unit in
an organisation is considered independent, then each can have a vision statement
defining its specific goal. Such a network of vision statements can define the broad
vision of the organisation, and it makes the people in each section feel directed
towards a specific purpose, giving them a strong sense of self-worth and a unique
identity.
A mission statement embodies the basic principles the organisation is to follow in
order to advance towards its vision. It reminds its people to keep the basic values of
the organisation in focus while acting to achieve the objectives. It defines the culture,
the approach, and the atmosphere in the organisation. As in case of vision statement,
each functional unit within the organisation can have its own mission statement. Such
mission statements will have certain common values which are the uniting thread,
the single characteristic on which the organisation as a whole is founded.
It must be remembered that neither the vision nor the mission of an organisation is
static, permanent, and unchanging. All organisations have to be dynamic, changing,
and adaptive in response to the changes in internal and external environment. For
example, a mission statement that emphasises participative working in the beginning
may pass this phase and enter into the phase of professional and innovative excellence
as its main guiding principle. Leadership of the organisation must be alert to the needs
of the organisation to modify its goals, strategies, priorities, and work culture as they
read the external and internal signals. The only lasting things, as mentioned earlier,
are the basic values—of integrity, hard work, competence, and ethical conduct.
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