Finding Meaning in the Organization Case Solution And Analysis, HBR Case Study Solution & Analysis of Harvard Case Studies

Traditionally, leaders must create a vision of the organization they lead, the vision of the leaders and then spread throughout the ranks. However, such a top-down view of creation may mean that not all staff sincerely accept the vision they are given. An alternative approach to the creation of the vision is the concept of "sense-making." Meaning-maker is a member of a group that articulates the fact that the group is trying to achieve in their work. Value managers tend to actively participate in their work settings, observant people who are good listeners, and are in harmony with the rhythm of the group or organization. Using techniques such as images, humor, or a new perspective on the situation, they are able to express a collective understanding of the group. For example, pizza was floundering, until one of the top managers formulated the idea that the company was not in the restaurant business as much as in the distribution business. This new model galvanized organizations, and local managers to seek new markets for distribution of pizza. Managers who are meaning makers can also help others to formulate the meaning of the work group, and such leaders tend to embody the relaxed style of leadership that recognizes that leadership is reflected in the way people interact. "Hide
by Joe Raelin Source: MIT Sloan Management Review 7 pages. Publication Date: April 1, 2006. Prod. #: SMR205-PDF-ENG