Influencing Organizational Culture

Although the business, political, and economic environment has dramatically changed during our careers, the subject of company culture and its alignment with organizational objectives remain the critical factor for long term success.?

Recently I re-read an article from my inventory that remains relevant to this subject.

The title of the article is Why A Positive Company Culture Is Especially Critical Today, by Paul McDonald.

?We all must realize that influencing individuals and building momentum within organizational leadership requires a variety of inputs from multiple sources over a period of time. This article can serve as additional validation in support of cultivating an organization’s culture.

?McDonald offers the following insights:

“A well-defined, inclusive and positive corporate culture is the glue that binds an organization and its employees. And it needs extra attention right now for many companies.

This may be especially true if your organization and its leaders:

• Have failed to focus enough, or consistently, on strengthening and promoting an inclusive corporate culture.
• View corporate culture as something employees must adapt to, not help shape.
• Are not listening to employee concerns, opinions and expectations.
• Think a strong culture is built largely on compelling perks…”

Leaders need to know what is required to make their organization a great place to work and a transparent evaluation can be both enlightening and confronting.

Is there confidence in the organization’s treatment of employees and customers, as well as its commitment to corporate citizenship? Are there opportunities within the work environment to connect employees at a personal level? Is the employee community actively engaged and participating in the vision of the organization?

As HR professionals we have an opportunity and responsibility to influence. But it starts by understanding the existing cultural forces within an organization.

Please join our discussion on expanding your impact in the marketplace.