Corporate Culture
Corporate Culture
Corporate Culture
Definition: Corporate culture refers to the organizational culture that encompasses the vision,
values, behaviors, and practices of a company.
Example
Google is one of the companies that are renowned for their corporate culture. The company
has evolved into a mega corporation; however, it maintains a very friendly culture reflected
in its extremely clear vision and mission. By hiring the best of the best candidates in a
meticulous manner, Google fosters creativity and maximizes employee performance. People
know what they should do and why, and this motivates them to work harder and achieve the
organizational goals.
Open-door policies allow the involvement of all levels of the workforce in the decision
making of the company, but more importantly they instill trust and commitment. In addition,
employee benefits, employee recognition, and democratic leadership make Google one of the
best companies to work for.
Values. Whatever it is that a company states is its driving force – what it values – will affect
what its employees focus on. The culture of a company that values caring will be different
from one that values, say, creativity or speed or precision. One isn’t necessarily better than
another, it simply will impact the types of employees that are hired and what everyone is
working toward.
Employees. To build a corporate culture that matches what leaders want the business to be
known for, you have to hire carefully. Each and every employee needs to match the culture
and the company’s values. Companies with the most desirable corporate cultures invest a lot
of time recruiting and interviewing potential new hires because they recognize how essential
each person is to supporting the culture.
Environment. Where employees have to work will have a major impact on the organization’s
culture. Pack everyone in a tight space like sardines, with little light and few creature
comforts and you will likely build a culture centered on negativity and complaints. Whereas a
space that is open and airy, with ample workspace, will foster positive feelings and lower
stress. Workspace matter.
Actions. How a company demonstrates its values and priorities also shapes its corporate
culture. Do its actions align with its values, or not? Companies that put customer satisfaction
as its highest priority should have processes and procedures that ensure customers are
delighted with its dealings with the company. Satisfaction guarantees, no hassle refunds, and
no expiration dates on returns could be policies that support such a value.
Opportunities for bonding. Companies that set aside time outside of work to socialize and get
to know each other create opportunities for more fulfilling personal relationships to form.
Some companies have annual off-site meetings that bring together all employees to talk about
what’s going well and what’s not. Other companies schedule more frequent, and less formal,
get-togethers, such as softball teams, potluck dinners, and Friday cocktail hour.
How employees feel about, and express satisfaction with, their employer is the basis of a
corporate culture. The more positive and fulfilled employees are with the organization they
work for, the more loyal and effective they will be. That’s the benefit of a positive corporate
culture.