Espoused values: hewlett packard's guiding principles

Espoused values are the officially stated beliefs, principles, and ideals that an organization promotes to its employees and stakeholders. They serve as guiding principles, representing what the organization aspires to be and how it wants to be perceived. One example of a company that has clearly articulated its espoused values is Hewlett Packard (HP).

The Espoused Values of Hewlett Packard

HP has long been known for its strong commitment to core values. The company's founders, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, established a set of principles that continue to guide the organization today. These principles are:

• Customer Obsession: HP is dedicated to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers. The company strives to deliver innovative products and solutions that exceed customer expectations.
• Fast/Flexible/First Mover: HP values agility and speed in its operations. The company aims to be a first mover in the market, constantly adapting to changing customer demands and technological advancements.
• Innovation and Creativity: HP fosters a culture of innovation and creativity. The company encourages employees to think outside the box, take risks, and explore new ideas.
• Networking and Partnership: HP believes in the power of collaboration and partnership. The company actively seeks opportunities to work with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to create shared value.
• Openness and Learning: HP promotes a culture of openness, transparency, and continuous learning. The company encourages employees to share knowledge, embrace diversity of thought, and develop their skills and expertise.

The Importance of Espoused Values

Espoused values play a crucial role in shaping organizational culture and driving employee behavior. When espoused values are aligned with enacted values (the values that are actually demonstrated and lived within the organization), they create a strong foundation for a values-driven culture.

HP's espoused values have had a significant impact on the company's success. By prioritizing customer obsession, the company has been able to build strong customer relationships and deliver products and services that meet customer needs. The emphasis on innovation and creativity has allowed HP to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

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The Gap Between Espoused and Enacted Values

While HP has clearly articulated its espoused values, it is important to acknowledge that there can be a gap between what is professed and what is practiced within an organization. This gap can have profound consequences for the organization and its employees.

Factors that contribute to the gap between espoused and enacted values include:

• Lack of Leadership Alignment: If leaders do not embody and reinforce the espoused values, employees may perceive them as mere lip service. Leadership must lead by example and consistently model the desired values.
• Cultural Inertia: Organizations with long-standing cultures may find it challenging to change deeply ingrained behaviors and practices. Cultural change requires intentional effort, patience, and persistence.
• Misaligned Incentives: If rewards and recognition systems are not aligned with the desired values, employees may prioritize behaviors that are inconsistent with the espoused values.
• Lack of Accountability: When there is a lack of accountability for living the values, employees may feel less compelled to align their behaviors with the professed ideals.

Bridging the Gap: Aligning Espoused and Enacted Values

To bridge the gap between espoused and enacted values, organizations, including HP, can take the following steps:

Clarify and Communicate

Ensure that the espoused values are clear, relevant, and effectively communicated throughout the organization. Leaders should consistently reinforce and discuss the values to create a shared understanding.

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Align Systems and Processes

Review and align various systems and processes, such as performance management, recruitment, and decision-making, to support and reinforce the desired values. This alignment ensures that the organization's actions are consistent with its professed ideals.

Foster Accountability

Hold individuals at all levels accountable for demonstrating the espoused values. Recognize and reward behaviors that align with the values while addressing any misalignments through constructive feedback and development opportunities.

Continual Evaluation and Adaptation

Regularly assess the alignment between the espoused and enacted values. Solicit feedback from employees to understand their perceptions and identify areas for improvement. This ongoing evaluation allows organizations to adapt and refine their values and practices over time.

Espoused values are a critical component of organizational culture and can have a significant impact on an organization's success. Hewlett Packard is an example of a company that has effectively articulated its espoused values and leveraged them to drive innovation, customer satisfaction, and overall performance. By bridging the gap between espoused and enacted values, organizations can create a strong values-driven culture that inspires and engages employees.

What are espoused values?

Espoused values are the officially stated beliefs, principles, and ideals that an organization promotes to its employees and stakeholders. They serve as guiding principles, representing what the organization aspires to be and how it wants to be perceived.

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What is the difference between espoused values and enacted values?

Espoused values are the professed ideals of an organization, while enacted values are the values that are actually demonstrated and lived within the organization through behaviors, decisions, and actions of individuals and teams.

What is the importance of espoused values?

Espoused values play a crucial role in shaping organizational culture and driving employee behavior. When espoused values are aligned with enacted values, they create a strong foundation for a values-driven culture and can contribute to an organization's success.

How can organizations bridge the gap between espoused and enacted values?

To bridge the gap between espoused and enacted values, organizations can clarify and communicate their values, align systems and processes to support the desired values, foster accountability for living the values, and continually evaluate and adapt their values and practices based on feedback from employees.