What do espoused values in an organization typically reflect?

Espoused values in an organization typically reflect the strategies and goals that the organization aims to achieve. These values are the explicitly stated principles that guide the behavior of members within the organization. They are often articulated in mission statements, slogans, or company policies, and signify what the organization believes is important. This can include commitments to quality, innovation, customer service, or community involvement, providing employees and stakeholders with a framework for understanding the organization's direction and objectives.

In contrast, unconscious beliefs pertain to deeper, often unstated assumptions that influence behavior in less overt ways. Visible elements like logos and uniforms are more about branding and identity rather than the underlying principles guiding actions. Employee feelings and attitudes, while important to the organizational culture, represent individual perspectives that may not align with the formalized values of the organization. Espoused values serve to align the organization's culture and operations towards its strategic aims, making them a crucial component of effectiveness and coherence in achieving desired outcomes.