This gap is revealed by the emphasis on marketing and brand values, which often do not align with an organization's authentic identity and beliefs. Stephan emphasizes the importance of authentic meaning-making and avoiding empty promises that hide an organization's true values.

A key criticism in the conversation is the contrast between organizations' promises and their actual implementation, resulting in a lack of trust, both inside and outside the organization. Stephan suggests rethinking the way organizations view their goals and core values, with a strong emphasis on participation, co-determination, and genuine dialogue with employees. This transition requires a shift from a forward-looking, market-oriented approach to a focus on the present and past, recognizing the true meaning and values underlying organizational culture.

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Takeaways

• Meaning over Bullshit: Stephan emphasizes the importance of authentic meaning-making within organizations, as opposed to creating superficial marketing promises that do not match the organization's true identity and values. This underscores the need for organizations to think more deeply about their social role and the real value they provide.
  
  
• Gap between promise and reality: A significant gap exists between organizations' societal promises and their actual actions. This gap leads to a breach of trust, both internally among employees and externally among customers and society. Stephan advocates rethinking organizational culture and values through conversations with employees, and shifting focus to actual values and meaning.
  
  

Ethical business practices: highlighting the need for organizations to take their ethical responsibilities seriously, especially at a time when corporations are playing a greater role in addressing societal challenges.Stephan encourages a broader integration of ethics within organizations beyond just the marketing department. It is about organizations demonstrating not only in words, but also in actions how they are contributing to a better world. This requires a genuine commitment to their social responsibility and core values, rather than hiding behind empty marketing promises.

Links

More about Stephan Ummelen

Check out the book 'Meaning & Bullshit' here

More about the Working Professor

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