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Corporate Culture Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Corporate Culture Important?
A. It is very important. Corporate Culture is a prime determinant of how well an organization performs and meets its goals and objectives. The capability of an organization can only be truly realized if the Corporate Culture is aligned to it. Business excellence or survival can depend on it.
Q. Do I need to look at Corporate Culture?
A. Most organizations look at the inert aspects such as systems, processes to improve their performance. While these are important in themselves they do not actively address the human dimension of an organization which is generally agreed to be the most important asset of all. In not doing so the business can leave itself exposed to cultural risks and fail to exploit the opportunities its culture may present. Please do not just take our word on it... refer to the Kotter and Heskett landmark study on the Corporate Culture Benefits Page.
Q. How do we look at our Corporate Culture and can it
be measured?
A. Corporate Culture is not something that can be measured directly - it is not tangible. People will naturally sense their immediate culture and get a feeling if it is right or wrong. This is very difficult to quantify and cannot be measured directly. Some companies undertake employee surveys as a means to address this. These kinds of surveys do not address culture and do not allow managers to develop credible plans to improve it. There is more than one method to assess corporate culture but following the publication of “Images of Organizations” by Gareth Morgan in 1986 (reissued in 2006) the use of metaphors to assess, model and transform organizations has become widely recognized. We have employed a material state metaphor called ICE which has been thoroughly researched and has delivered incredible results.
Q. Is Corporate Culture something that
Human Resources should own?
A. While Human Resources are an important element in any cultural work they do not own it. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders in an organization to be aware of and take steps to improve it. Those with more responsibility should take an active interest in culture and how it can shape the behavior and consequently the performance of a business.
Q. Will Corporate
Culture become a desired business skill?
A. Cultural literacy is rapidly becoming recognized as an important asset for anyone who seeks a career in business. It is equally valuable in the private or public sector and will continue to raise its profile. We would suggest that you look at our recommended reading list as a starting point or call us to discuss.
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