Question

What are the differences between espoused (publicly declared) values and values in use (the unwritten rules that actors follow)?

Answer 1

The organizational culture comprises of our work environment, the relations with our colleagues, the communication process, and the beliefs that connect the staff members. Company culture has a significant impact on employee and customer satisfaction.

Espoused values are the company values that are publicly stated by the organization. These include Vision Statement, Mission Statements, Goals, Objectives, and standards that are publicly stated. In simple terms, espoused values represent the aims of an organization and directly impacts the way in which an organization and its employees’ function. However, it is difficult to practically implement these values on a daily basis.

On the other hand, Enacted values or values put to use, are the norms that are displayed by the company and its employees on a daily basis. They are marginally different from espoused values and mainly refers to the activities that are actually carried out by employees while working for the organization. When there is a conflict between the espoused and enacted values, it results in a great deal of confusion for the employees. For example, if the espoused value of a company is to work with honesty and integrity, but on the other hand if an officer needs to be bribed for the work to get done, then it is a clear case of clashing values.

It is important for a company to monitor the enacted values and make consistent efforts to reduce the gap between espoused values and the enacted values. If the gap is not resolved, it might result in errors or delayed decision-making which greatly hampers the productivity of an organization.