ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to explore the role and practical application of some widely discussed values in business i.e. trust, empowerment and quality. How these values are perceived and acted upon is of vital importance to the organizational transformation effort, and indeed, to sustained organizational success. The chapter also seeks to determine some of the primary causes for organizational transformation and to illustrate the critical role played by commonly shared values. The words 'change' and 'transformation' are often used synonymously. Transformation, in and of itself, entails a considerable amount of radical change. However, not all change is transformation and it is important to make this distinction. To avoid the potential pitfalls and high-risk profile of programmatic transformation, companies should concentrate instead on re-establishing a commitment to shared values, reorganizing employee roles, responsibilities and cross-functional relationships to solve specific business problems. Developing values jointly between management and other employees enhances commitment to the transformation effort and reduces the potential for resistance.
