Organisational culture can be defined as a system of shared assumptions, values and beliefs that determine how people behave in organisations. Such shared values influence the way people act, perform and approach their jobs in every area, even the smallest details like language and dress code.
With a post-modern generation, the dictatorial mode of organisation, in which a rule book is given to workers on all the things they should be if they want to work with a corporation is pretty much falling behind. Even though this model might work with a group of people of older age, it is definitely not the best way of working with teams in a post-modern world, in which it seems like employees really need to identify with the organisation’s vision and mission in order to actually bring their best to the company.
Why is Culture important?
Culture is a way of doing life, an implicit way that is outworked in every action a person does within the company. People are always looking for a place to belong, whether in a community that shares their same interests, passion, language or even beliefs. They are always looking for a group with which they can identify and in which they can accurately outwork who they are as honestly and genuinely as possible.
Organisational culture should be defined by the head of the organisation, they are the ones who can express (or should be) better than anyone what they want their company to be and therefore look like. They are the ones who develop the vision and mission of the company and who are looking for people who want to embark on the journey with them in making their dream a reality.
Because culture is so related with the way of being of individuals, it is a way more effective motivator than generic house rules that usually apply in companies, and this is because everything about culture has a why behind it that, if it is effectively communicated and embraced in action, it will be naturally adopted by those who work in the organisation and attract people who are like minded that are still looking for a company to which they can belong.
What do you want your team/organisation to be known for?
The culture of your team reflects its identity, it is an outworking of who you are as an organisation and it is what outsiders will be looking at when it comes to deciding whether or not they want to work together with your company or not. If your company is known for having an excellent work ethic, an encouraging work environment, a special value placed on customers and great focus in providing a service/product in the best way possible, people will automatically be drawn to you and will have no issues in spreading the word of who you are as a company.
Seasons change but culture stays.
We live in a society in which time seems to fly. Trends continually change overnight and most companies’ struggle is to keep up with the race and still attempt to be successful. But unless the foundation of your organisation is solid and well established, as soon as the environment and outside factors around you change, there is no ground to stand on in order to continue to grow and the whole company is shaken.
If as a company, you know who you are and what you are about, including all employees carrying the vision of the company together and making it their own, there is no challenge or change that as a team you won’t be able to overcome. So if you have a clear idea of who you are (Culture), this will gracefully be outworked throughout every season in creative and flexible ways.
The tool to reach the goal, continually.
I’ve highlighted the importance of culture enough, but it honestly never gets old. Establishing a healthy culture and communicating it properly is and will always be the best tool for your company to remain successful, always moving forward through the amazing work of people who love what they do, where and how they do it. If it is done well, culture will not only help you recruit the best people, but will contribute in keeping a high standard in your company all the way through. It will also help others easily identify the best qualities of your company and it will open doors that you never imagined could cross your way.
Have you ever though about the culture of your company? What does it look like? What can change about it? Let us know!
