The culture of an organisation is a foundation for success. Sophie Hennekam is a Professor of Management at Audencia School of Business in Nantes. She gives tips on how to create and maintain a great workplace.
The organisational culture is the set of values and beliefs, attitudes and systems that guide and shape employee behavior within an organization. The interplay between multiple factors such as personality, vision, values and assumptions of the founder is what creates the organisational culture. The founder builds policies, practices and structures that reflect his or her beliefs and preferences.
The culture of an organisation is maintained through the recruitment, selection, and attraction of individuals who are aligned with its vision and mission. Organisations typically provide an onboarding program for new employees, in which they explain the desired behaviours and expected working methods, embodied by the organization’s values and norms. In the same way, reward systems, whether in the form or financial incentives, promotions, or praises, tend to reflect the values and desirable behaviours within an organisation. Leadership and management styles can provide insight into an organisation’s culture. This is especially true in relation to how people are treated and interacted with. Collectively, these organisational practices serve to maintain and strengthen the existing culture.
Why does a culture change in an organisation?
Organizational cultures are flexible and open to change. They are dynamic and constantly interacting with their environment. There could be a shift in leadership, a restructuring or merger, or fluctuations in demand and supply on the labour market, which would result in an organisation having more or fewer ‘powers’ in their job market. Change can come from the outside, such as changes in market conditions. However, it can also be brought about by internal factors, like poor performance or a change in strategic direction.
Why Positive Organizational Culture is Important and How to Develop It
A positive organisational image has been associated with economic growth, reduced employee turnover, increased productivity, engagement, and performance. It also helps to attract and retain talent. It is important to ask how organisations can create a positive culture. Here are six suggestions to get you started:
- Create a safe environment:
Organisations must create a safe space where people can be themselves. When issues arise, it is important that people feel empowered to raise their voices. Implementing tools that enable employees to voice their dissatisfaction and making sure their feedback is taken into consideration is crucial.
- Provide a purpose:
Organisations must ensure that their employees are aware of how their jobs fit into the larger picture and the purpose of the business. It is increasingly important for individuals to have a meaningful job. Allowing all employees to see how their work contributes to something that they are passionate about can increase motivation and engagement, and help retain talent. We also see that the enthusiasm of employees for the cause to which they dedicate themselves is contagious, and can spread across the organization.
- Walking the Talk:
In terms of communication, leadership and management styles, it is important that an organisation “walks the walk” to foster trust and integrity. Employees are demotivated by a disconnect between words spoken and actions taken.
Transparency, authenticity and openness are key to building a positive culture in an organisation.
- Show appreciation and recognition:
Employees are looking for a sense of value and appreciation. Simple gestures such as complimenting a job or praising an employee’s efforts can achieve this.
- Regularly provide individual feedback:
Regular individual feedback can be well received by employees. When an organization invests in their employees, not only do they feel valued but they also develop a gratitude that makes them more likely to stay with their employer.
- Create positive experiences:
Organisations should also consider how to create positive experiences at work for their employees. This includes providing a safe and transparent environment, a sense that they are valued, and having a clear communication. It could be offering employees healthy and tasty meals, paid time off or access to sports facilities.
Fostering a positive culture in an organisation can have a multitude of benefits, both for the employees and organisation. Many organisations recognise this and are dedicated to creating a culture which supports their staff, boosts morale, and promotes success. Companies can improve and strengthen their culture by embracing effective practices. This creates an environment in which employees thrive and the company reaps the benefits.
