Exploring the Role and Responsibilities of a Chief Belief Officer in Shaping Company Values

Role of the Chief Belief Officer

The Chief Belief Officer is a unique role within an organization that focuses on shaping and communicating the core beliefs and values of the company. This individual is responsible for ensuring that these beliefs are integrated into all aspects of the organization, from employee behavior to customer interactions. The Chief Belief Officer works closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for reinforcing these beliefs and fostering a strong sense of purpose and identity within the company.

Job Description of a Chief Belief Officer

As for the job description of a Chief Belief Officer, it typically includes tasks such as developing and implementing belief-based initiatives, conducting training and workshops to reinforce core values, and serving as a spokesperson for the company's beliefs both internally and externally. This role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the organization's culture and values.

In recent years, the corporate world has introduced innovative designations and unheard-of job titles. The "Chief Belief Officer" is one such designation. Future Group (the group which runs Big Bazaar & Pantaloons in India) has Mr. Devdutt Pattanaik as CBO "Chief Belief Officer".

In an interview, Mr. Pattanaik says: "Business depends on how people behave (customers, employees, stakeholders) and how people behave depends on what people believe in. Belief is an invisible cultural lever that shapes all decision-making. Modern management ignores it as it is not measurable and never objective. My job is to make people aware of it."

In his role, he will be "decoding the wisdom of India locked in stories, symbols, and rituals, and enhancing people's belief so that they genuinely behave (rather than pretending) such that business grows."

Regards,
K. Sambasivam