The Three Foundational Principles of Business Values 1. There is an objective right and wrong There are two possible ways of looking at ethics. One is that there is a set of values which are right and right values must be followed no matter short term consequences. The second possibility is that particular values shift according to situation. The reason an objective set of values is so important is that it creates stability for organization. Sure there must be flexibility to change with times, but flexibility needs to be in procedures, not in underlying values. If a company does not have a solid set of principles it is founded on and guided by, then every time a new leader comes along, whole focus of company might change. In long run, this will end up creating a disaster in company morale, stability and in integrity of organization.

2. The business maintains personal responsibility for it’s actions. Responsibility for ultimate outcomes has to reside somewhere. Ultimately it resides with person who is in charge. But for there to be a smooth and efficient operation of organization, pieces of it have to reside with individuals who carry out various actions. To degree everyone involved accepts responsibility for their piece of operation, company will move forward with great strength. The moment anyone begins trying to shift responsibility away from themselves, productivity and efficiency begin to go down.

3. Personal integrity is rule. There is a commitment to do what is right. We live in an era where many people look at integrity as an option, rather than a bedrock foundation stone. This means that you treat your customers and make business deals according to what seems useful at moment. This, though, creates two huge problems. The first is that you won’t have any consistency across various parts of your business and over time. The second problem is that your customers and clients will not be sure how to deal with your organization. Both of these together will ultimately wreak havoc on your organization.

You Will Sink or Swim by Your Foundation You do have a set of values that your organization operates by. The question is not, “do they exist.” Rather, it relates to “what kind of control do you have over them?” If you do not consciously know what your organizations guiding principles are, you can not use them to build a strong identity, and your business relationships will flounder. If you do not consciously know what they are, everyone will be creating their own and there will be massive inconsistencies and confusion. It is worth whatever time and effort it takes to get a grip on underlying principles that guide your organization’s operation, and to begin to create a conscious one that you can communicate to everyone. At that point, you will gain control of your operation in ways that allow your to move forward with power.

Your culture, for instance, might emphasize respecting others and working as a team. If that’s case, you should focus on hiring people who have demonstrated these characteristics in their previous work experiences.

How To Choose The Best Candidate For Your Culture

So exactly how do you determine if a prospect is best match for your organization? Although some companies rely on culture and personality assessments, there’s no scientific formula for hiring success. A positive employment experience requires a combination of background research, assessment and pure instinct.

First, you must clearly define, clarify and understand your company’s core values. Review ideals that are expressed in your organization's employee handbook, training sessions, marketing materials, and mission, vision, and goal statements. This will give you a “measuring stick” for weighing behaviors required for success in your corporate culture with prospective employee’s character.

Next, thoroughly investigate job candidate’s work performance and relationships from previous positions to ensure you have an accurate sense of his or her personality. Then simply factor in experience, education and other important considerations to determine which candidate best fits position and your company.

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