How can you encourage global value chain partners to share your company's values?

1 Communicate your values clearly

The first step is to communicate your values clearly and consistently to your partners. This means not only stating them in your mission, vision, and contracts, but also demonstrating them in your actions and decisions. For example, if you value sustainability, you can show it by using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and supporting environmental initiatives. You can also use stories, examples, and testimonials to illustrate how your values have helped you achieve your goals and overcome challenges. By communicating your values clearly, you can help your partners understand why they matter and how they can benefit from them.

2 Listen to your partners' perspectives

The second step is to listen to your partners' perspectives and respect their differences. While you may have some common values, you may also have some divergent ones, depending on your cultural, legal, or ethical backgrounds. For example, you may value transparency, but your partner may value privacy. You may value innovation, but your partner may value tradition. Instead of imposing your values or judging your partners, try to understand where they are coming from and what motivates them. You can also ask them for feedback and suggestions on how to improve your relationship and alignment. By listening to your partners' perspectives, you can build rapport, empathy, and mutual respect.

4 Provide incentives and recognition

The fourth step is to provide incentives and recognition to your partners who share your values and contribute to your success. Incentives can be financial, such as bonuses, discounts, or commissions, or non-financial, such as training, mentoring, or access to resources. Recognition can be formal, such as awards, certificates, or testimonials, or informal, such as thank-you notes, feedback, or referrals. By providing incentives and recognition, you can motivate your partners to perform better, to innovate more, and to adhere to your values. You can also reinforce positive behavior and celebrate achievements.

5 Monitor and evaluate your performance

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate your performance and the impact of your values on your GVC. This means collecting and analyzing data, such as sales, profits, customer satisfaction, quality, efficiency, and sustainability. You can also use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather feedback from your partners, customers, and stakeholders. By monitoring and evaluating your performance, you can measure your progress and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also use the results to adjust your strategies, improve your processes, and address any issues or gaps.

6 Learn and improve continuously

The sixth step is to learn and improve continuously based on your findings and feedback. This means being open to change, innovation, and new opportunities. It also means being humble, curious, and willing to learn from your partners, customers, and stakeholders. You can also seek best practices, benchmarks, and inspiration from other GVCs that share your values or have achieved excellence. By learning and improving continuously, you can stay ahead of the curve, adapt to changing needs and expectations, and enhance your value proposition.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?