Competing Values Framework

The Competing Values Framework for Corporate Communications has two axes, the horizontal axis representing the range from internal to external communication while the vertical axis represents stability and centralized communication to flexible and decentralized communication. Here is where you can already begin to see the competing values. For example, organizations want to remain flexible and open to change while still wanting to have control of the working environment to create stability.

From the two axes come four quadrants, each quadrant represents a different communication perspective. The upper left quadrant, the integrative system quadrant, focuses on interpersonal communication and building relationships within the organization. The opposite quadrant in the bottom right is the information systems quadrant, which focuses on an organizations external image and how the organization will meet stakeholders' expectations through performance. A blend of the competing values here could be asking employees to increase productivity and make goals while encouraging teamwork and by helping individuals succeed with their personal goals which increases employee morale. The upper right quadrant is the innovation systems quadrant with a focus on an organizations ability to adapt and change, while it's opposite is the lower left quadrant the regulation systems which focuses on the internal processes and regulations.

Through the readings it is evident that in order for me to be a successful leader the best way to communicate effectively is to be willing to work in the four quadrants simultaneously while learning to understand and work with the paradoxes that are created. The key is figuring out a balance between the four quadrants. For an organization to succeed it is necessary to blend a shared focus on organizational results along with human relationships.