Organizational Culture: Exploring Which is True

Introduction

Organizational culture is the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that characterize an organization. It can be difficult to assess what the true organizational culture is, as it is often based on unspoken rules and unwritten norms. However, there are a few methods that can be used to gain a better understanding of the culture within an organization.

Brainstorming Session with Employees

One way to explore organizational culture is to hold a brainstorming session with employees. Brainstorming is a great way to get a variety of opinions and ideas, which can then be used to get a better understanding of the culture within the organization. Benefits of brainstorming include improved communication, increased creativity, and better problem-solving. In order to facilitate a successful brainstorming session, it is important to create a comfortable environment where everyone feels free to share their thoughts and ideas. It is also important to clearly explain the purpose of the session and provide guidelines for participation.

Interviews with Key Personnel

Another way to explore organizational culture is to conduct interviews with key personnel. Identifying key personnel within the organization can be done by looking at job titles, roles, and responsibilities. Once identified, key personnel should be asked questions about the culture within the organization, such as what they think the core values are and how those values are demonstrated. Interviews are a great way to get a more in-depth understanding of the culture within an organization.

Surveys of Employees

Employee surveys can also be used to explore organizational culture. Surveys are a great way to get a large amount of data quickly. They can be used to measure attitudes and beliefs within the organization, as well as to identify areas where change may be needed. Advantages of employee surveys include cost effectiveness, speed, and anonymity. When creating an employee survey, it is important to include questions that are relevant to the organizational culture, such as those about the organization’s values, goals, and expectations.

Analysis of Company Documents

Company documents can also provide insight into the culture within an organization. Types of documents to review include mission statements, strategic plans, policies, and procedures. These documents can be analyzed to determine if the stated values and goals match the actual behavior of the organization. It is also important to look for any discrepancies between the stated values and the behavior of the organization.

Examination of External Stakeholders

Finally, examining interactions with external stakeholders can be helpful in exploring organizational culture. External stakeholders can include customers, suppliers, investors, and members of the media. It is important to assess how the organization interacts with these stakeholders, as this can provide insight into the culture of the organization. It is also important to look at any feedback that is received from these stakeholders and how it is used by the organization.

Conclusion

Organizational culture can be explored through a variety of methods, including brainstorming sessions with employees, interviews with key personnel, surveys of employees, analysis of company documents, and examination of external stakeholders. Each method provides different insights into the culture of the organization, and can be used together to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organizational culture. By using these methods, organizations can gain a better understanding of their culture and take steps to improve it.