The organizational culture is a recurring theme in corporations, and there is a reason for that. After all, it guides the procedures of all employees and ends up being essential for the success of a business. Good business strategies tend to fail if they are not backed by an organizational culture in line with such strategies! Having said that, the importance of developing a solid organizational culture becomes obvious. But, what is Organizational Culture after all?
Organizational Culture is made up by the collective behaviors, beliefs, symbols and norms of a company. It has an influence on a company´s identity and in the way the business will be conducted, and that includes the how to deal with customers and employees, internal processes and more.
Often, at the start of a company, its values reflect the values held by its founder. However, with time and the arrival of new employees, this cultures changes. That means that the environment and the interaction among team members will contribute to the formation of a pattern of behaviors that guide internal and external relationships.
How is it possible the strengthen organizational culture?
Organizational culture forms the basis of what a company is, and it is essential that it be taken into consideration in all strategic decisions. For this to happen, it is fundamental that all members leadership team are on the same page. Therefore, it will be possible to pass on the corporate values and goals through example. There are some strategies that can be applied in order to deepen organizational culture. Having well defined mission and values, for example, are some of the first steps to be taken so as to achieve such goal and, once more, leadership also has a quintessential role in maintaining and replicating these elements. So, it is expected that leaders spread and practice company values throughout the decision-making process.
On top o that, understanding the profiles of employees is a relevant aspect. After all, all associates have an important role and participate actively in the upkeep of the organizational culture.
Promoting an environment stimulates listening to team opinions, examining actions, interests and their expectations, and fostering constant feedback are ways of knowing your staff members and of planning the best practices so as to spread the company culture.
Another critical step takes place at the moment of employee recruitment and selection. Hiring talents whose values are aligned with those of the company and who fit culturally with it, contribute to the dissemination of, and engagement in the corporate Culture
Besides, it is of prime importance to have a clear, transparent and well-organized internal communication. That may include actions in the corporate social network, newsletters, the intranet, company gatherings, and other way to pass on the company values and beliefs.
What are the benefits of having a well managed corporate culture?*
Having a well managed organizational culture has a direct impact on the company´s outcomes. When such behavioral pattern is shared by team members, all have a clear goal and work towards the same goal; and productivity tends to improve, and that is a competitive advantage that can contribute to the growth of the business. A clear organizational culture also brings additional benefits, such as the increase in team motivation and engagement, enhancement of employer branding, which, consequently, aids in attraction and retention of talents, among other benefits.
However, it is worth noting that there isn’t such a thing as a good or bad culture. What is fundamental is that it is in line with the brand positioning and with the company strategy. Achieving this goal will rely even more heavily on the characteristics of the team and the way they deal with setbacks. The organizational culture of a tech start-up, for example, will be different from that of a financial corporation. In the former, the values may be geared towards creativity and flexibility, and that will have an influence in how the workspace is physically arranged, giving a preference to an integrated environment, as well as affecting the furniture, choice of communication register, employees´ outfits and other aspects.
Where to start investing in organizational culture?
First and foremost, understanding what beliefs and values to spread in the team is paramount. Such principles should be present throughout the company, regardless of its size. They will guide the behavior of employees, internal policies, the work environment, the relationship with suppliers and customers, and etc..
Using a very well-know example, is the Walt Disney Company, which possesses as it main attributes the enchantment and good customer service. Such principles guide the behavior of the whole team, and they must emphasize the safety, enjoyment, personalized service and efficiency. In order to achieve these goals, the entertainment company invests in employee training and development, as well as on initiatives to increase the satisfaction and pride they have in their jobs. So that customers are well cared for and leave their theme parks in a happy mood, the team must also share that same feeling
And, in your company, what are the main components of its Culture?
