| Q1 |
Why did CFIA need to articulate its values? |
|
If the mission or mandate of an organization is the statement of why it
exists or, more particularly, "what" is different in the world because it
exists, then the corporate values are the statements of "how" it intends to
deliver that mission. They are basically a way of demonstrating "what is important in
the organization." The CFIA articulated its values to enhance its capacity to:
- Ensure consistent decision making and behaviour across the Agency;
- Hire employees with shared values; and
- Deliver on our mandate in an aligned manner, regardless of role or location.
|
| Q2 |
Why is it important to behave consistently? |
|
The CFIA has a large workforce of dedicated professionals each having their
own personal value set. Although it is likely that there is a substantial degree of
overlap in these personal values – they will not be the same. More importantly –
the priority that we place on each value will not be the same. We are often faced with
situations that force us to choose between values and different people make different
choices. In an organization, particularly a regulatory organization such as the CFIA, it
is important that decisions are made consistently – so that an industry is regulated
the same way in Alberta as it would be in Ontario. Since we cannot predict or control
every situation that will occur we must have values to guide our staff in their
professional activities. |
| Q3 |
Do these new values represent a significant change in the way the CFIA
does business? |
|
No. Most of these values are largely in place already but, perhaps, have
not been so clearly articulated before. It is possible that, in some cases, the values may
lead to a shift in priorities or some fine-tuning of how we do what we do. In addition,
for both our internal and external stakeholders, the values should help to set clear
expectations. Living these values will not represent a radical change in the way the CFIA
delivers its business. |
| Q4 |
How do Values affect external stakeholders? |
|
Organizational values come to life only through employees; organizational
values are meaningless if employees do not share them. This is particularly important to
the external stakeholders who look for consistency between employee actions and
organizational communications and public relations activities. This, in turn, is important
to the organization because stakeholders judge an organization by their dealings with
individual employees |
| Q5 |
What about the Public Service Values? |
|
As members of the Public Service of Canada, we support and expect everyone
to live by the Public
Service Values (see www.tbs-sct.gc.ca). However, the new values for the CFIA provide
more specific guidance for our role as a regulatory agency. |
