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How Can We Define Organisational Culture?

Hatty Blue

The organisational culture of your business is as essential as any other part, your products and services, staffing levels, management ability, and financial plan.

And yet, it is often one of the most overlooked parts of business strategy.

It is all too easy for business owners to bury their head in the sand over their organisational culture. When it's going wrong, it can seem like an insurmountable problem to tackle, as it is a multifaceted issue.

Getting your organisational culture 'right', and achieving a harmonious place to work for all members of your team does not happen by luck, and it won't happen on its own either.

It's a critical business deliverable which should be involved in every aspect of your company plan.

In a challenging business environment, only teams with the best organisational culture will thrive.

Has it been a while since you reflected on the culture of your organisation; whether it's working or if your team are stuck?

Company culture is more than just an HR buzzword; it is the shared goals, values and respect of your team; it is the essence of what makes your business different from your competitors.

'Good' team culture is one which focuses on collaboration and connection. No matter the size of your team, if there is a strong shared vision of the future and goal, this is a great foundation.

But it's much more than just focusing on a collective goal; there is the need for every member of the team to understand, respect and recognise each other. A team which lacks this will become fractured, and over time, these cracks will become unfixable.

When you think about improving your company culture from where it is currently, think about:

·      Your company's 'mission' – what is your ultimate goal

·      The practices that you carry out each day, and how these relate to your team

·      The values that underpin what your business stands for

·      The 'personality' of your organisation

Many businesses understand why organisational culture is important, but they struggle to build and cultivate it for themselves.

This is because it is something that must be planned for and worked on continuously. If your team culture is a statement that gets written into your company mission and then forgotten about, you are unlikely to experience its many benefits.

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