Culture Types

     What type of culture are you working in or trying to create?

 

 To help you with the answer, we must first understand our organization and environment.

An organization is a social unit of people that is structured and managed to meet a need or to pursue collective goals. Adding the environment which consists of the surroundings of a living organism, including natural forces and other living things, which provide conditions for development and growth as well as of danger and damage.

Whatever you are experiencing, inventing, creating, or wishing, it involves people.  I would hope you agree that it is quite evident that people are the key factor in any culture and I believe that work culture is created by the leaders, or without guidance, naturally by its team of workers.

I’ve identified some common types of cultures that are common in workplaces, which some I have had the pleasure to work in, or must I say dreaded.  I believe that you cannot put a square peg in a round hole, or at least without some damage, says my 13 year old son. 

Customer Focus Culture – This is the workplace that promotes and emphasizes that the customer is always right, within reason.  This environment is one that has every worker asking “How does it impact our customers?” with most problem solving activity. I enjoy this culture because the purpose is clear for everyone - ensure the customer experience is a good one. Want to destroy this culture, have a narrow minded leader who only worries about how much they can squeeze from the customer. Great for their bonus and bottom-line, short term that is. 

Team Culture – Workers are the important factor in this one.  This can be easily identified by the lunch rooms, fitness rooms or social events.  Ensuring that everyone is happy and comfortable is the key focus. This culture typically respects and acknowledges the strengths of each individual. Who said Monday morning was not a good time?

Learning Culture – Development and growth of the workforce is of high importance.  These cultures thrive on skills and capabilities that are built on intense training.  My military experience did make me feel part of an elite group and quite the sense of  accomplishment.

Creativity Culture – This can be very successful culture that drives innovation, or it can be so risk taking that the outcome is not accepted by the norms of the world, leading to failure.  A balance of creativity is a necessity is it not?  Don't think Netflix had that in mind.

Fear Culture – This is a workplace where if you cannot meet the goals, get out.  Observed in many “sales driven” companies.  Accompanied with this type is often an authoritative element.  Strict - no deviation.  Just do what is asked.  Performance may be the benefit, but at what turnover cost?

Process Culture – If you choose to change the script, it just might cause you a job.  Can you say micro-manage?  This is a culture that is the opposite of change and creativity.  Stability and keeping a focus on standards is a necessity at times and some workplaces do need it.  Our education system, government and Tim Hortons comes to mind.  

This is not a complete list since many cultures have the multiple ingredients of the above.  As leaders we should create, communicate and preserve our cultures, and ensure we are surrounded with people who are well suited to it and enjoying it.

If you would like to learn more about organizational effectiveness and how the solutions at Canadian People Management can improve your results visit us at www.cpeoplemi.com