In today’s world, where size and efficiency reign supreme, it is easy to forget that the strength of communities lies not in their size but in the principles that bind them: the Kingdom Principles.
At the dawn of the 20th century, Elfred Taylor and Frederick Winslow Taylor studied the labor behavior of workers in factories. They discovered that high productivity did not stem from individual achievements but from collaboration and idea exchange within small teams (1).
What are Kingdom Principles?
Kingdom Principles are a set of principles describing the functioning and vitalizing of successful small groups. They were first introduced by Peter S. Drucker in his 1946 book "The Concept of the Corporation."
**The Seven Kingdom Principles:**
- Clear Purpose: Every team member knows exactly what they are supposed to do.
- Commitment: Members are willing to give their best.
- Common Vision: All members work towards a common goal.
- Empowerment: Decision-making authority lies with those closest to the execution.
- Respect for Expertise: Each member’s expertise is valued.
- Separation of Role and Person: The role a team member plays is separate from their personality.
- Accountability: Every member is responsible for the results of their work.
**Practical Examples:**
Agilent Technologies in Fremont, California, is a prime example of how these principles work: all employees work in self-organized teams and make decisions on their tasks autonomously (2).
**The Significance of Kingdom Principles:**
The achievements yielded by applying these principles demonstrate that the power of small groups lies not in their size but in the principles that unite them.
**FAQs:**
- Where do the Kingdom Principles come from?
Answer:
The Kingdom Principles were first described by Peter S. Drucker.
- What’s the difference between team membership and self-organization?
Answer:
In self-organized teams, members have more decision-making freedom and are accountable for the results of their work.
- Can anyone join a self-organized group?
Answer:
Yes, anyone can become a member of a self-organized group as long as they adhere to the principles.
In conclusion, in an era dominated by size and efficiency, it is essential to remember that the true power lies within the small communities bonded by the Kingdom Principles. These principles have proven successful time and again, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing them for our modern organizations.
References:
(1) Taylor, E., & Taylor, F. W. (1911). The Principles of Scientific Management. Harper & Brothers Publishers.
(2) Agilent Technologies. (n.d.). Self-Directed Work Teams. Retrieved from https://www.agilent.com/en-us/careers/teamwork/self-directed-teams.html.