Developing Organizational Vision and Strategy - Essay Example

The paper “Developing Organizational Vision and Strategy" is a potent example of an essay on management. The formation of a concrete vision must involve some form of pain. There is an element of sacrifice that individuals must play in order to achieve the envisioned targets. The setting of an organization dictates a situation in which individuals must be forced out of their comfort zones in order to work for the betterment of the organization. When such a case happens, people don’t face the vision with much enthusiasm. According to the author, good visions help prevent such a situation in which people have a reluctance to perform their duties by relying on the hope it has for a better future. A vision must acknowledge the importance of sacrifices but make clear the benefits and satisfactions to be awaited for that definitely make life better than the current experiences. In situations where people are demoralized, a good vision will provide a situation where people will have a reason to continue fighting.

 A good vision also helps to coordinate the actions of individuals in an organization in a very efficient way. When individuals are highly motivated to achieve the set goals that are meant to change the future for the better, they will use the vision to follow the required responsibilities to be carried out so as to achieve these goals with minimum supervision. This is particularly possible if the vision is clear enough to be easily understood. In such a case, it is more effective than holding numerous meetings meant to chat the way forward without a clear vision. People will work with a certain level of autonomy and with the help of a common vision, their efforts will be directed towards the achievement of a common goal.

According to the author, a good vision has six characteristics.

1. Imaginable
2. Feasible
3. Focused
4. Flexible
5. Desirable
6. Communicable

 A good vision gives a clear picture of the prosperous future. In this manner, it will be able to show people of the benefits being awaited for. It should have realistic goals that are easily attainable through the available means. It should also be flexible to such an extent that it can take every individual initiative and posses alternative approaches that may be applicable in times of changing conditions. A vision should be appealing to the long-term goals and interests of customers, employees, and all other stakeholders.

Nothing can occur successfully in an organization without a proper vision. This includes the process of restructuring, reengineering, and all other change programs that can never work properly in the long run without guidance from a vision that appeals to all stakeholders including suppliers, customers, employees, and the community at large. In cases where some organizations neglect the needs of some consumers, it is a direct invitation for disaster as no vision will be achieved. If some progress can be noted, it is normally short term and can never be sustained for the long term because it encourages counter attack from those whose needs have been neglected.

In conclusion, a vision is the backbone of all operations of an organization that are meant to steer it to a prosperous future; a future that should be beneficial to all the stakeholders to the enterprise. It should be clearly stated in such a manner that it easily understood by everyone in the organization so that all individuals carry out their responsibilities with a clear awareness of their direct target of achievement.