The means-oriented versus goal-oriented dimension is, among the six dimensions, most closely connected with the effectiveness of the organisation. In a means oriented culture the key feature is the way in which work has to be carried out; people identify with the “how”. In a goal-oriented culture employees are primarily out to achieve specific internal goals or results, even if these involve substantial risks; people identify with the “what”.
In a very means-oriented culture people perceive themselves as avoiding risks and making only a limited effort in their jobs, while each workday is pretty much the same. In a very goal-oriented culture, the employees are primarily out to achieve specific internal goals or results, even if these involve substantial risks.