The Organizational Purpose

As the considerations of the previous chapter show, the organizational Ikigai represents the blueprint of the individual Ikigai. In this context, the first lever, the purpose or, in relation to the economic context, the organizational purpose, is of great importance at the normative management level. This can explain the existence of the organization and embed it in the larger context of its environment in a comprehensible way. Therefore, this chapter is dedicated to the examination of the organizational purpose and connects it with the organizational Ikigai (see Fig. 6.1). First, it will be discussed what is meant by purpose in the organizational context. Subsequently, four dimensions of the organizational purpose are described, which result from the fact that it is directed at the external environment of the organization on the one hand, and at the employees on the other hand, as well as the fact that it includes a collective and an individual perspective. Finally, the most important effects and the risks of a misunderstood organizational purpose are summarized. Overall, this leads to a better understanding of the facets of this purpose, which it must fulfill in order to serve as the anchor and starting point of the organizational Ikigai. If an organization succeeds in adequately considering all perspectives, the organizational purpose can unfold its positive effects and lead to a purpose commitment.