Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It: Why People Demand it

From Affirmation to Rigidity

Our research indicates that shared values make a difference to the leader, to constituents, and to the organization. A leader must build consensus around core beliefs and then publicly affirm what has been agreed. Leaders find common ground, they build a sense of community, and they resolve dilemmas on the basis of principles and not hierarchical positions. Shared values are an attribute of a strong organizational culture. Strong cultures can produce strong performance.

However, shared values can become straitjackets. A shared value that was once a cornerstone of the organizational foundation can become obsolete. Rigid adherence to cultural norms can hurt long-term performance. A strong culture can easily result in ...