Question

Let me introduce you to Wally. Wally has just been promoted to CEO of a medium sized company that manufactures forks. The fork industry is depressed and so are his employees. As an OB consultant, what can you tell Wally about the characteristics of an effective vision statement and, because Wally is so distraught, you will need to explain to him why each specific characteristic is important.

Answer 1

An effective vision statement has characteristics such as being clear, inspiring, realistic, specific and aligned with values.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics of an effective vision statement are:

1. Clear and Concise: A good vision statement should be clear and concise, clearly communicating the company's goals and aspirations. This helps employees understand the direction the company is heading in and provides them with a sense of purpose.
2. Inspirational and Motivating: The vision statement should inspire and motivate employees, giving them something to strive for. It should create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm about the future of the company.
3. Realistic and Achievable: While it's important for the vision to be ambitious, it should also be realistic and achievable. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and demotivation among employees.
4. Specific and Measurable: A good vision statement should be specific and measurable, providing a clear definition of what success looks like. This allows employees to track progress and evaluate their performance.
5. Aligned with Values: The vision statement should be aligned with the company's values and reflect its desired culture. This helps create a sense of identity and guides decision-making.

Each characteristic mentioned is important because it helps establish a shared understanding among employees, provides direction and focus, enhances employee motivation and engagement, and ensures that the vision is aligned with the company's values and desired culture.