Lecture 5 - Organisation Culture

Question 1

Organisational cultural influences on business

Answer 1

• Type of culture that exists, evolved and is pre relevant within an organisation greatly influences behaviours of business and way it operates.
• Could have been developed and evolved naturally over many years and decades even or almost forced as part of strategic decisions to alter and adapt culture of organisations.
• Organisational culture refers to a company’s mission, objectives, expectations and values that guide its employees.
• Businesses with an organisational culture tend to become successful than less structures companies because they have systems in place that promote employee performance, productivity and engagement.
• Having strong organisational company culture motivates everyone to do best work.
• Its important that however the work place is configured, the culture established is one that’s conductive to helping employee be as productive and innovative as possible.
• A good work culture is good for job retention.

Question 2

Examples of cultural influences on business

Answer 2

• Increased employee engagement**

Having strong connection to organisation and its people creates an atmosphere of positivity amongst employees.

• Decreased staff turnover

People who feel valued and respected at a company are less likely to leave it. Happy employees mean less turnover, saves companies time and money in hiring process. Companies that achieve a strong culture must take steps to maintain and improve it.

• Elevated productivity

When employees have resources and tools they need to succeed, increases productivity and performance levels overall.

• Strong brand identity

Company’s organisational culture represents its public image and reputation, people make assumptions about businesses based on their interactions within and outside of company. Businesses with strong brand identity tend to attract more business and job candidates with similar values who support their mission.

• Healthy team environment

Organisational culture helps improve workflows and guides decision-making process.

Team members who are informed and knowledgeable about certain processes often more motivated to finish projects.

Having clear culture that unifies employees and promotes organised work structures helps people work together with purpose.

Question 3

How to improve organisational culture

Answer 3

1. Communicate well
   Miscommunication is main reason people become unsatisfied with jobs and start looking for other opportunities.

Helps provide people with background information of issue or give specific examples. When people seem confused, message should be simplified. Encourage people to ask questions.

2. Listen to concerns and ideas
   A leadership position, provide employees with a public platform that makes not easy for them to share opinions. One-to-one meetings with team members allow chance to speak openly, yet privately about sensitive concerns. Letting employees have questions helps them feel valued.
3. Provide feedback
   If certain aspect of company needs improvement. Some companies have policies in place that dictate process of giving feedback
4. Be consistent
   Helps people experience a sense of stability. Once a company’s organisational structure is in place, its important to maintain processes and procedures. Treat everyone in same professional manner and avoid giving preferential treatment.

Question 4

How can a Good Leader create a positive Work Culture

Answer 4

• Establish Trust
• Change Current Culture only if needed
• Define Ideal Workplace Culture
• Set Clear Expectations And Goals
• Measure Goals And Give Feedback Frequently
• Recognise And Reward Good Work
• Develop Employees
• Focus On Employee Engagement.