Do actions speak louder than words – study of a shared vision?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between actions taken by front-line managers and actions taken by employees as the organization progresses toward a new-shared vision. The shared vision to alter the organization's learning structures was communicated by the leadership team. The research evaluates if the actions speak louder than the words.

Design/methodology/approach

The actions analyzed in the study are completion of curriculum courses designed by the Learning and Professional Development team to progress the organization toward the new vision. Pearson's Product Moment Correlation was calculated to determine the nature and strength of the relationship or learning actions between the employee and first line managers.

Findings

Results indicate that a moderate positive relationship exists between employee and first line manager actions. The relationship highlights the importance of integrating an action element into the launch of a new-shared vision.

Originality/value

Shared visions are a fundamental building block in reaching generative learning. One method to improve employee internalization of the shared vision is to create actions whereby the employee can experience elements of the vision. These experiences further the communications and build steps toward employee commitment and internalization.

Citation

Reese, S. (2014), "Do actions speak louder than words – study of a shared vision?", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 46 No. 5, pp. 237-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICT-01-2014-0003