Most leaders view employee freedoms and operational controls as antagonists in a tug-of-war. They tend to focus on regulating workers’ behavior, often putting a damper on commitment, innovation, and performance without realizing it. But freedom and control aren’t zero sum, argues the author. By giving people a clear sense of their organization’s purpose, priorities, and principles—that is, by providing freedom within a galvanizing framework—leaders can equip employees to make on-the-ground decisions that are in the company’s best interests. Gulati uses businesses as diverse as Netflix, Alaska Airlines, and Warby Parker to show how freedom can function in different settings. A coherent framework helps employees develop a deeper understanding of the business, which can lead to improved engagement, creativity, efficiency, and customer service.
Keywords: Organizational Structure; Mission and Purpose; Framework; Employee Relationship Management; Performance Effectiveness;
Citation:
Gulati, Ranjay. "Structure That's Not Stifling: How to Give Your People Essential Direction—Without Shutting Them Down." Harvard Business Review 96, no. 3 (May–June 2018): 68–79. View Details