The Golden Thread


The “Golden Thread” is a performance framework that explains how an organisation’s goals, values and vision are aligned and woven into the fabric of the organisational hierarchy. The concept explains how the Golden Thread can be applied within an organisation and the benefits of having a shared vision and clear performance metrics.

Technique Overview

The Golden Thread

The Golden Thread Definition

The Golden Thread, also known as organisational alignment, is a simple framework to explain how an organisation links what it does to its goals. It ensures that an organisation’s goals, vision and values inform and are informed by its processes, systems and people. This alignment throughout each layer of the business leads to a shared understanding of the organisation’s vision. Knitting a “golden thread” throughout business strategies and operations is crucial if employees are to buy-in to organisational strategy and its shared purpose (Lea, 2019).

The Golden Thread Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of The Golden Thread *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of The Golden Thread *

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Professional Tools

The Golden Thread videos and downloads *

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Further Reading

The Golden Thread web and print resources *

The Golden Thread references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Bart, C. K., Bontis, N. and Taggar, S. (2001). A model of the impact of mission statements on firm performance. Management Decision, Vol. 39(1): 19-28.
  • Behn, R. D. (2003). Why Measure Performance? Different Purposes Require Different Measures. Public Administration Review. 63(5), 586-606. https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-6210.00322
  • Branson, C. (2008). Achieving Organisational Change through Values Alignment. Journal of Educational Administration 46(3): 376-395. DOI: 10.1108/09578230810869293
  • Cardona, P. (2008). Management by Missions. Palgrave.

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