The Generative Nature of SOAR: Applications, Results and the New SOAR Profile

Strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results: An emerging approach to organization development

“…Once the organization has connected employee and stakeholder values to the mission and achieved a shift in thinking toward the organization's strengths, SOAR's final step is to ensure results are accomplished. The “R” in SOAR, which now stands for results, has evolved from related terms: recognize, resources, and rewards (Stavros, ). Stavros () acknowledged results continue to require that resources and rewards are built into the strategic system.…”

“…While the SOAR framework matches SWOT by addressing strengths and opportunities, SOAR incorporates an AI perspective by focusing on aspirations and results. Advocates of SOAR argue it drives “organizational energy to be intensely positive” (Stavros, , p. 11) and extends beyond the current state of the organization to build on its strengths to create “the most desirable future” (Stavros et al, , p. 76).…”

“…The "R" in SOAR, which now stands for results, has evolved from related terms: recognize, resources, and rewards (Stavros, 2013). Stavros (2013) acknowledged results continue to require that resources and rewards are built into the strategic system. That is, to get results, an organization must have resources and rewards for employees in place and consistent with strategic goals and objectives.…”

Building collaboration in teams through emotional intelligence: Mediation by SOAR (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results)

“…Such a strategic thinking and planning framework occurs when teams build capacity from a SOAR-based perspective. SOAR creates a reservoir of positivity, generative action, new ideas, innovations, and the best in people to emerge (Stavros & Hinrichs, 2009; Stavros & Wooten, 2012; Bushe, 2013; Stavros, 2013). Since 1999, SOAR has been used by thousands of organizations on an international basis (Stavros, 2013).…”

Insights and commentary on Zareskty and Cole's article: Strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results (SOAR):A Framework for strategic thinking and planning

“…Based on Zarestky and Cole's (2017) thematic analysis findings that SOAR is “value‐driven, strengths‐based, and perceived as an effective tool” (p. 10) aligns with the reported outcomes from users around the world applying the SOAR framework. Results reported from using SOAR have been (Stavros, , p.17): A clearer definition and communication of organization's values set Clarity of vision, mission, goals, and objectives Identification of strengths and design of dynamic capabilities Openness to new ideas and opportunities from the outside Stakeholder ownership and responsibility for the organization's existence and future A participatory strategic planning process where everyone is free to voice concerns and opinions while contributing to new ideas and action plans. Creation of new organizational knowledge that is practical and useful The consideration for important issues and needs of stakeholders (the aspirational focus) Strategic change at individual, department, division, corporate, and industry levels …”