Culture Development

Corporate culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that characterise an organisation. It is the collective personality of an organisation and influences the way in which employees interact with each other and how they behave towards external stakeholders. The development of organisational culture is a dynamic process that evolves over time and is shaped by leadership, employees and the general business environment. Let’s explore the definition and impact of corporate culture development. Corporate culture is underpinned by:

1. Shared values and beliefs: Corporate culture encompasses a set of shared values and beliefs that guide decision-making and behaviour within an organisation. These values often reflect the organisation’s mission, vision and long-term goals.
2. Behavioural norms: This comprises the behavioural norms and unwritten rules that dictate how employees should behave in different situations. These include communication styles, approaches to collaboration and problem-solving methods.
3. Organisational identity: The corporate culture contributes to the formation of a corporate identity. It helps to define what the company stands for and how it differentiates itself from others.

Few quick-wins, but sustainable success through culture development

The targeted development of an innovation-promoting and future-orientated corporate culture cannot be achieved in the blink of an eye through isolated measures. Rather, it is a holistic and cross-company process that gradually develops a positive momentum and gradually takes effect. The results are sustainable and decisive for success:

1. Employee engagement and satisfaction: a positive corporate culture promotes employee engagement and satisfaction. When employees feel that they are aligned with the values of the organisation, they are more likely to be motivated, productive and engaged in their work.
2. Attracting and retaining talent: A strong and positive company culture can be an effective tool for attracting and retaining top talent. For job seekers, cultural fit is often a deciding factor in their decision to join an organisation.
3. Innovation and creativity: Certain corporate cultures foster innovation and creativity by creating an environment where employees feel empowered to share ideas, take risks and collaborate. This can lead to increased problem solving and adaptability.
4. Organisational performance: The impact of corporate culture on business performance is significant. A culture that is aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals can contribute to greater efficiency, effectiveness and overall business success.
5. Customer relationships: Company culture can influence how employees interact with customers and clients. A positive culture that prioritises customer satisfaction can contribute to long-term relationships and positive brand perception.
6. Adaptability to change: Organisations with a healthy company culture are often more adaptable to change. Employees are more willing to embrace change and deal with uncertainty when they feel supported by a positive and resilient culture.
7. Ethical standards: Corporate culture plays a role in shaping an organisation’s ethical standards. A strong culture that values integrity and ethical behaviour can contribute to the development of a responsible and reputable company.

The development of corporate culture is a multi-layered process that significantly influences various aspects of organisational life. It not only reflects the values of the organisation, but is also an important factor in employee engagement, talent management, innovation and overall business success. Understanding and actively shaping corporate culture is crucial for organisations that want to succeed in today’s dynamic and competitive business world. KEY VALUES has extensive project experience in this area and also offers special learning formats for culture development.