Understanding Organisational Culture
Organizational culture has been defined over time as a system of shared assumptions, values and beliefs that shape the people behaviour in organisations. Organisational culture is guided by a number of macro and micro factors that affect people perception, attitudes and commitment to an organisation. The challenge many organisations face is integration of people culture into the organisations norm. Perpetual change has proven that culture does not so much bear on a personal meaning as it does at a socially shared meaning.
Managing Organisational Culture
As abstract as it is culture is driven by learning amongst a group with the intent of either surviving, growing and managing micro or macro factors. This implies that if organisations are to have a synchronized organisational culture they need to continuously give attention to group dynamics, the socially shared meaning and its implication on organisational performance.
It is unequivocal that leaders have a major role in shaping the culture of the organisation. This can only be achieved if the leader;
- Has clarity of the history of the culture and how it has evolved over time.
- Understands the emotional experience of a people through shared learning and experiences.
- Has a bearing on the cohesiveness and stability of a group.
Picture Courtesy of The Black Leasership Kitchen Cabinet
