The Avaloq Values:
Road Map to Network Culture
Personal excellence and individual entrepreneurship are key factors for business success. But
globalisation and new communication technologies change the rules of the game. No matter how
brilliant a single brain is, in view of the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity of market
dynamics, meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow requires additional effort. The more the
worldwide degree of connectivity is enhanced, the more it is necessary for companies to adapt
into a professional network organisation. It is a strategic task of high priority to integrate as many
competencies and creative impulses as possible into new forms of collective intelligence. Without
a corporate culture able to balance diversity and alignment, attempts to transform a company into
such a kind of “social brain” remains an empty formula.
Therefore the executive board has agreed to develop
a more fundamental cultural process for growing
innovation power and market impact - bringing Avaloq
to the next level. On the basis of the results of a
qualitative interview study with 212 experts from
management and employees of the Avaloq group, five
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core values were derived to foster a road map to
network excellence. The five core values constitute an
interrelated framework for Avaloq corporate culture
and should only be interpreted, assessed or
substantiated in context with each other.
DRIVE
vitality, agility
In single brains as well as in social systems, learning or
innovation cannot happen without a high degree of energy.
Never-ending curiosity and personal readiness to accept
uncertainties are crucial for the capability of a company to offer
new solutions that create value.
Our attitude:
“We are addicted to learning and to personal
development. Anticipation of future requirements is for us a constant driver to move to
the next level. Our own curiosity and
readiness for change inspires the people we
work with.”
Metaphor:
enthusiasm to explore new planets
Features attributed to “DRIVE” in Avaloq
cultural analysis (interviews):
curious, energised, spirited, authentic,
empowered,
adaptive,
committed,
appreciative, beneficial
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We are energised.
our approach is
to stay agile
to reward change
to stimulate curiosity
to learn from mistakes
COURAGE
decisiveness, challenge
In single brains as well as in social systems, fundamental change
implies the destabilisation of an existing state of order. Only
when people dare to adopt new perspectives, and when they are
ready to challenge the status quo and to think out of the box, can
the potential of a company unfold.
Our attitude:
“We are ready at any time to leave our
comfort zones and position ourselves at the
vanguard. We actively claim responsibility
and are capable of balancing the risks we
take by using our own competencies and all
the capabilities available within the
company.”
Metaphor:
readiness to perform on stage
Features attributed to “COURAGE” in
Avaloq cultural analysis (interviews):
explorative, ambitious, aspiring, striking,
decisive, competitive, capable, competent,
responsible
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We appreciate challenges.
our approach is
to cross borders
to take ownership
to love being surprising
to leave our comfort zone
RIGOUR
consequence, straightness
In single brains as well as in social systems, optimal use of
power depends on the reliable interaction between all involved
components. Without a high degree of acceptance and discipline
concerning governance, processes and structures, the
organisation is too complicated to act efficiently and to leverage
synergistic effects.
Our attitude:
“Our aim is to simplify rather than to make
things more complicated. To reach excellent
company performance, it is necessary to
accept standards and to follow rules.
Compliance to processes is a prerequisite
for creative freedom.”
Metaphor:
rope climbing to mountain peak
Features attributed to “RIGOUR” in
Avaloq cultural analysis (interviews):
oriented, organised, consequent, straight,
standardised, aligned, profitable
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We act in favour of the system.
our approach is
to walk the talk
to manage complexity
to increase profitability
to follow our processes
INSIGHT
receptiveness, empathy
In single brains as well as in social systems, sustainable success
is a matter of anticipation of environmental changes. Especially
in cases of high volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity,
early recognition of patterns in market dynamics is crucial to be
able to manage complex situations and to reach future potentials.
Our attitude:
“We factually analyse market dynamics and
sense customer needs. Our pride is being
able to detect changes and upcoming opportunities far earlier than the competition. We
study and reflect carefully to sustain the
larger context.”
Metaphor:
detection of future resources
Features attributed to “INSIGHT” in
Avaloq cultural analysis (interviews):
receptive, empathetic, matched, inspired,
anticipative, visionary, unique
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We strive for deep insights.
our approach is
to look beneath
to listen actively
to see the big picture
to anticipate opportunities
NEXUS
connectivity, share
In single brains as well as in social systems, quality of
performance and speed of problem-solving is a direct function of
connection density. The more people in a company collaborate
and the more diversity a corporate culture is able to handle, the
better the company is equipped for the challenges of a
networked world.
Our attitude:
“We actively share our knowledge and
collaborate to optimise customer benefits.
To become an attractive node in internal and
external networks is our personal target. We
are transparent and open to cultural differences.”
Metaphor:
interactivity of a jazz jam session
Features attributed to “NEXUS” in Avaloq
cultural analysis (interviews):
connected,
integrated,
networked,
transparent, inventive, unorthodox, diverse
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We commit to collaboration.
our approach is
to respect diversity
to attract expertise
to connect competencies
to foster a climate of sharing