The most potent ingredient in organizational effectiveness is a clear sense of purpose shared by every member of the organization. Organizational problems, including nasty interpersonal conflicts and wrenching internal schisms, can literally begin to dissolve when people in an organization rediscover the depth of their common vision. Similarly, a myriad of organizational problems – manifested in everything from burn-out to unsuccessful fundraising to power struggles among the staff or board – can be the result of confusion or subtle disagreement about the organization’s basic mission and thrust. This article explores the various dimensions of organizational purpose.
Please note that our more recent publications have built on this, and other foundational pieces, written in the early days of Management Assistance Group (MAG) (now Change Elemental).