A business organization is merely not just an industry but a living entity. Like any
living creature, every firm has a soul, mind, and body, each crucial to success. The
stimulant that drives overall performance of the organization is an energy from inside.
Soul of the organization
An organization without a well-crafted soul is like a ship without a rudder—drifting,
vulnerable to the tides of uncertainty.
Foundation of organizational culture is the underlying assumptions as described by
Edgar Schein (1985) in his article “Issues in Understanding and Changing Culture” in
the California Management Review journal.
These are intangible, hard to explain and invisible elements comprising of unconscious
thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, and feelings (Schein, 2004). Overall character is built
around these assumptions and is the inspiration for the forces that drive the
organization forward. These underlying assumptions can be called soul of the
organization. This soul is developed and influenced by organizational climate such as
policies, procedures, practices, psychological safety, ethics and heredity.
For creating right spirit for the organization, it is important to craft policies that are well
balanced between employee wellbeing and organizational goals. Also, provide
autonomy along with psychological safety while staying within the boundaries of values
and principles.
Mind of the organization
Mind possess intelligence, passion, pride and ability to think and, is capable of making
changes. Employees are the Mind of the organization. Once on-board, the soul of the
organization helps shape their views towards organization’s vision, mission, values,
aspirations and goals. Soul also helps build an attitude and behaviour that aligns with
organizational needs.
Main component that influence the mind is intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Self
Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan, 1985; Ryan and Deci, 2000) postulates
nutrients for healthy development and functioning are fulfilment of psychological needs
for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The absence of any of these will have an
adverse impact.
Innovation is the key for sustainable growth of any business. However, it’s only possible
when employees are given the space to think freely and make bold decisions. If they
are to utilize this freedom fearlessly and be innovative, psychological safety is essential.
This refers to elements such as protection against possible negative after-effects
caused by new initiatives. Also, policy makers ensure ample opportunities for
developing relevant competencies.
For the mind to be on par with values and principles of the organization, right attitude
and behaviour are to be set. Policy makers must ensure organizational values, ethics
and principles are clearly defined and the information is cascaded down to all
employees.
Once right behaviour and attitude are set together with autonomy and relevant
competencies, mind will be able to take right decisions that propel organization to
prosperity.
The body of the organization
Body is the mechanism through which the mind execute its decisions. From an
organizational view, it is the medium by which employees execute their actions —the
machinery, systems, and infrastructure that bring ideas to life. Without the right
organizational structure and tools, even the best ideas can fall flat.
In an industry, efficiency and precision are everything. The body of the organization
needs to be in sync with its soul and mind. From production lines to your supply chain
management, every process must align to support the organization’s broader vision.
From an organizational view, it is the medium by which people execute their actions. It
comprises of the organizational structure, artifacts and equipment.
Conclusion
Overall success of the organization depends on purity of the soul along with happy mind
and an efficient body. True organizational growth occurs by unifying the soul, mind, and
body with constant effort, dedication, and a willingness to evolve.