Total Quality Management

Organization

An organization (or organisation) is a social entity that has a collective goal and is linked to an external environment. The word is derived from the Greek word organon, itself derived from the better-known word ergon which means "organ" - a compartment for a particular task.

Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with reality, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy comes from the Ancient Greek (philosophia), which literally means "love of wisdom".

Organizational Philosophy

Organizational behavior is a field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups and structures have on behavior within an organization for the purpose of applying such knowledge towards improving an organization's effectiveness.

Using the term organizational philosophy, common enterprise, organizational mission, activity of business and culture institutions and other questions of social practice fields are being discussed, specific economic, business and culture problems are solved

The concept of organizational philosophy can be understood as an identical category of both science and philosophy, meaning - to know the essence. In the sphere of the sophistry the term philosophy can be adapted to the explanation of everyday life, therefore organizational philosophy becomes a part of the practical philosophy

Organizational philosophy is usually understood as a standard of organizational behaviour, credo. It outlines the main values, expectations and principles in which an organization works reaching for its goals and performing its activities

The term organizational philosophy in postmodern society is used as a practical way of making a value system of a certain organization meaningful and doesn't object its basic meaning of love to wisdom.

What is the Philosophy of an Organization?

In the model of the Five Ps, just outside of the Purpose is the organization's Philosophy. Where the Purpose states "why" the organization exists, the Philosophy directs "how" employees do their work. And "how" you do work matters. The Philosophy directs behavior across the organization. In successful organizations, employees consistently use the Philosophy to guide their decisions and daily actions.

The Philosophy may be one value or a small set of values. Of course, many values may feel important, but the Philosophy is only the value or values that are fundamental, distinguishing and enduring to the organization. They are the beliefs that have been essential and core to the character of the organization over the years. Employees believe that their Philosophy distinguishes their organization from others, particularly those which fulfill a similar Purpose. And the Philosophy is the enduring core beliefs that should never change. The Philosophy is extremely important.

The Philosophy is like the personality or character of the organization. This character is typically derived from the organization's founder, or from the principles and ideals that drove the organization's creation.

The Philosophy is what employees believe in today, what was most important in the past and what will continue to be important in the future. Where the Purpose is the heart of the organization, the Philosophy is its soul.

The Five Philosophy Criteria

 Is it a prime value?

 Does it guide "how" we do our work?

 Is it a source of our distinction?

 Is it derived from our founder/leader or the ideals that drove the organization's creation?

 If changed, would that alter the character of the organization?

Key Points about Philosophy

 Philosophy is a value or small set of values that are fundamental, distinguishing and enduring to the organization.

 Philosophy is the special attribute that the founder/leader possess that has influenced the character of the organization.

 Philosophy is the source of the organization's distinctiveness.

 The Philosophy provides the enduring framework for "how" employees do their work.

Organizational Identity = Purpose + Philosophy

The Purpose and the Philosophy are the identity of the organization. As a unit, they are the central attributes that have defined the character of the organization and the cause that it has served over the years.

The elements of Organizational Identity serve as the basis for all aspects of the business. Any change to either the Purpose or the Philosophy will have a significant impact on the organization and its employees. Preserve these attributes. Only change them with a clear understanding that this is monumental change required for survival. When you alter either the Purpose or the Philosophy, the organization will feel like a different organization; employees will need to reevaluate their connections to it, and many Practices will need to be altered.

Organizations seek change to improve and prosper. But often the change that is needed the most is for everyone in the organization to be better at being who you say you are. The challenge is to more consistently practice the principles of the organization's identity.

Key Points about Organizational Identity

 Together, the Purpose and the Philosophy constitute Organizational Identity.

 Organizational Identity is the enduring essence of an organization.

 The organization's identity is the unique product of its history -- not something that can be copied from others. It must be authentic.

 Organizational Identity serves as the anchor that grounds an organization and the filter through which it screens its actions.

 Any change to the Purpose or the Philosophy can have a major impact on the organization and its employees.

DEFINING THE ORGANIZATION`S GUIDING PHILOSOPHY

An organization`s guiding philosophy establishes the values and beliefs of the