Value Congruence Among Transformative Leaders in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

Values have been defined as a generalized enduring organization of beliefs about the personal and social desirability of modes of conduct or “end-states of existence” (Klende, 2005). The congruence of personal values and organizational values represent an important opportunity for positive business results and outcomes (Klende, 2005). Based on the results of this qualitative study among transformative African American women leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, it is possible that value congruence may be a factor in the success experienced by these study participants. Three value themes are reported to describe the leadership values of these study participants. They are: “people,” “think,” and “company.” These value themes are supportive of tenets that comprise the transformative leadership model. Introduction Leaders have the ability to communicate vision as well as model openness, risk taking, and reflection. They recognize that colleagues will inevitably be challenged by risk aversion, excessive demands, and slower-than-desirable rates of change (Herbert, 2015). Leaders provide support and advocacy for others. They inspire followers to embrace a common vision while concomitantly appreciating diversity of opinions. Within an organization, leaders possess certain shared core values: social responsibility, equity, and commitment to change (Herbert, 2015). Values and Value Congruence Values serve as a foundational influence of behavior, action, and decision-making (MillerStevens, et al 2015). Organizational values are viewed as the standard by which decisions can be prioritized and opportunities evaluated. Values have been defined as a generalized, enduring organization of beliefs about the personal and social desirability of modes of conduct or “end-states” of “existence” (Klenke, 2005). This includes both recognition and an understanding of how values impact day-to-day decisions (Klende, 2005). Individual behavior related to decision-making can be influenced by a desire for value congruence. Individuals may seek decisions that illustrate and are reflective of their own values and beliefs. Similar approaches to achieve and support value congruence can be found between individuals and organizations (Hosack & Paradice, 2014).