An analysis of Cabral’s Life and Death Among the Xerox People: Progression of Technology and Mechanized Life
Ideally, a good mission statement also provides information regarding the organization’s overall management philosophy, its business model, its technical and social competencies, and its values and beliefs (Aguinis, 2009; Azaddin, 2011; Bart & Hupfer, 2004; Covin, Slevin, & Schultz, 1994). Moreover, to make mission statements of large companies more individually relevant, Azaddin (2011) advocates flexible “guiding statements” that account for the “context, culture, structure, and needs of an organization” (p. 31). Thus, a mission statement must be meaningful and applicable to all stakeholders for strategic decision-making to be effective.
A firm’s operation function entails getting activities and things done such as the production of goods and customer services. After considering services and products demanded by buyers, the organization’s weaknesses and strengths, and the weaknesses and strengths of the competitors, proficient corporations should formulate their vision and express it in the mission statements. Lenscrafters has a mission statement that outlines their strengths and future projections. In the mission statement, the enterprise identifies that it aims to maintain the loyalty of its customers, design quality eyewear, deliver value to the buyers’ requirements, and motivate the personnel to institute the globe’s best job environment (Lenscrafters Case Study, 2015).
Almost two decades ago, when I presented myself for employment, I was eager to make a difference. I believed that I’d joined an organization, in its embryonic stage, with individuals that were malleable and unanimous towards achieving its success. Since then, I have poured my heart and soul into every task that I have encountered; And, sometimes under the most vexing of circumstances.
Leaders believe people have an intrinsic value beyond tangible contributions as workers. As a result, genuine interest in the spiritual, professional and personal growth of all employees is demonstrated.
They have to enlist others in a common vision (p. 17). The challenge, Kouzes & Posner says is to turn the idea into an inspired vision (p.106). The leader needs to imagine the possibilities and find a common purpose. The authors refer to James MacGregory Burns transformational leadership theory asserting that people commit to causes, not plans (p. 122). In order to have a transforming effect, the leader must raise the level of human conduct and ethical aspiration of both the leader and follower. Just like Kotter (1990) outlines the methods to change an organizational culture is by telling stories, using symbols, the designing of physical space, using jargon, rituals, etc., Kouzes & Posner suggest the same thing when they explain the power in using symbolic language to communicate a shared identify and give life to a vision (p. 143). When challenging the process, leaders know that in order to bring change they have to experiment and take risk (p. 19). The authors indicate that “proactive people tend to work harder …[by being] persistent in achieving their goals (p. 169) and treat every job as an adventure (p. 184).”
George, B. & Sims, P. (2007). True North, Discover Your Authentic Leadership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Kouzes and Posner remark that leadership experiences are ?voyages of discovery and adventures of a lifetime?[and] they are challenging explorations under rigorous conditions? (174). While
The culture that the executives wished to maintain is one of big ideas, large thinking, and a strong emphasis on creativity. It is one that opposes bureaucracy and rigidity without cause, and despises formality without passion. And it is one that strives to stay relevant, fresh,
Xerox hopes to avoid mistakes of the past by having “a system to prevent technology from leaking out of the company”, according to Robert V. Adams, president of XTV. They have a $30 million dollar fund to support this intrapreneurial activity. It has supported a dozen start-ups thus far, only two having failed. These are extremely promising numbers, with 83% of ventures coming to fruition.
We live in a world where, because of the Internet and the Web, we can communicate with someone in Africa or Asia as easily as we can communicate with someone in the office next door. A company like Xerox represents businesses all over the world, and the diversity of its employees is a big plus. Acknowledging our differences and
Xerox is an American corporation having its headquarters currently in Norwalk Connecticut. The headquarters of the company moved from
The mission statement communicates to stakeholders the main activities that the company focuses on in order for it to achieve its vision. The mission statement communicates to employees’ information on how to conduct their day to day activities. The mission statements also describe the organizations, policies, culture as well as ethics (Alesia 2013).
Financial Research – The Xerox and to make the current profit targets meet with Wall Street's expectations. In addition, Xerox specifically adopted the measures of "return on equity" and "profits standardized" to
Major advantage with this option is the fact that Xerox operates in the market it fully knows, dominates and controls. As a market leader, having gained clear edge over main competitor IBM, Xerox can consolidate its position with the introduction of innovative new product "Book-In-Time solution" that could significantly reduce the publishing costs.