The Mission Culture
An organizationOpens in new window concerned with serving specific customers in the external environment, but without the need for rapid change, is suited to the mission culture.
The mission culture is characterized by emphasis on a clear vision of the organization’s purpose and on the achievement of goals, such as sales growth, profitability, or market share, to help achieve the purpose.
Individual employees may be responsible for a specified level of performance, and the organization promises specified rewards in return. Managers shape behavior by envisioning and communicating a desired future state for the organization. Because the environment is stable, they can translate the vision into measurable goals and evaluate employee performance for meeting them. In some cases, mission cultures reflect a high level of competitiveness and a profit-making orientation.
Anheuser-Busch InBevOpens in new window, reflects a mission culture. Professionalism, ambition, and aggressiveness are key values. Managers keep employees focused on achieving high sales and profit levels, and those who meet the demanding goals are handsomely rewarded. Bonuses and promotions are based on performance, not seniority, and top executives are unapologetic about giving special treatment to high achievers.
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