Managing by Values

Management by Values (MBV) by Ken Blanchard, published in 1997, is a transformative guide that argues that values are the ultimate foundation of organizational success. Blanchard, a world-renowned leadership expert, contends that traditional management by objectives (MBO) is insufficient in a world where employee engagement and ethical conduct are paramount. This book provides a clear, three-phase process for moving an organization from a focus on mere numbers to a culture driven by a shared sense of purpose and integrity.

The book details the MBV Process: Clarifying your mission and values, Communicating them effectively, and Aligning your organizational practices with those values. Blanchard introduces the Fortunate 500 concept—companies that are not just profitable but also respected and loved by their employees and customers. He emphasizes that values must be more than just words on a wall; they must be the primary criteria for hiring, firing, and strategic decision-making, ensuring that the Organizational Identity remains consistent and authentic across all levels of the firm.

This work is essential for CEOs, HR directors, and culture transformation specialists. Readers gain concrete value by learning how to build deep-seated trust and loyalty within their teams, which leads to increased productivity and lower turnover. Practical applications include utilizing Values Audits to identify behavioral gaps and redesigning reward systems to celebrate value-aligned actions. By mastering Management by Values, leaders can create an enduring organization that is not only highly successful but also a source of pride and fulfillment for everyone involved.