Subject: Characteristics of organisations that will thrive

I have been working with the idea of the healthy organsiation , ; this is by  Philip Stokoe

There are 3 factors which I think are common to all organisations, from industry to the helping services  

The factors common to all are:

1. Clarity about the Primary Task (what we are all here to do).

2. Clarity about Shared Principles (how we set about the Primary Task).

3. Clarity about the different layers in the hierarchy, specifically what decision-making is delegated to each level and with what authority.

If that is the basis for health, then it is interesting to think about  'thriving '. My immediate response is creativity, as tht moves th energy from maintainence to growth.

 I would throw down a challenge to name a company or organisation which has been in existence for more than 300 years and which does/did not have a philanthropic outlook at its heart.  Corporate Social Responsibility is seen as a new initiative, but one that has been practised by Quakers for many centuries and many major companies have Quaker roots to thank for their longevity (Cadbury, Lloyds, Amnesty International, Oxfam).  So how about a list of the Quaker values as a guide to developing a thriving organisation,  namely:  peace, equality, integrity, simplicty?