A fourth benefit is that statements

A fourth benefit is that statements of the end state can help employees determine
whether or not their leaders possess the skills and fortitude needed to successfully move the organization in a desirable direction. Again, research finds that a leader who
conveys specific and challenging standards as part of a broader vision is more apt to gain a following than someone who “doesn’t know where they are going” (Bommer,Rich, & Rubin, 2005). People’s need for direction increases during the insecure and uncertain
days and months following a combination announcement (Marks & Mirvis, 1985). A clear statement of the desired cultural endstate backed up by executive actions that reinforce the desired ways of doing things—satisfies this need and reassures employees that the combination is being well managed. This is especially pertinent to the many contemporary workplaces that have experienced multiple transitions over the past several years. As Pederit (2000) notes, when numbed by constant and ongoing change, employees may be more ambivalent to change rather than outright resistant to it.