Organizational culture refers to the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape the way a company operates and interacts with its employees, customers, and other stakeholders. It is a critical aspect of any organization, as it influences the way people communicate, make decisions, and approach their work. In this essay, we will explore the concept of organizational culture and provide an example of how it can impact the success of a company.
First, let's define organizational culture. According to Edgar Schein, a pioneer in the study of organizational culture, it is "a pattern of shared basic assumptions that the group learned as it solved its problems of external adaptation and internal integration, which has worked well enough to be considered valid and, therefore, to be taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to those problems." In other words, organizational culture is the collective mindset and behaviors that have been developed and passed down within an organization over time. It is the "glue" that holds an organization together and shapes the way it operates.
There are many factors that contribute to the development of organizational culture, including the values and vision of the organization's leaders, the history and traditions of the company, and the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its employees. Culture can also be influenced by external factors such as the industry in which the organization operates and the broader societal and cultural context in which it exists.
One key element of organizational culture is the values that are upheld and promoted within the company. These values may include things like innovation, customer service, teamwork, and integrity. They serve as guiding principles that shape the way employees approach their work and interact with one another and with customers. For example, a company that values innovation may encourage employees to think outside the box and take risks, while a company that values customer service may prioritize providing excellent service to its customers above all else.
Another important aspect of organizational culture is the behaviors and practices that are promoted within the company. These may include things like how decisions are made, how information is shared, and how conflicts are resolved. For example, a company with a hierarchical culture may have strict rules and procedures for decision-making, while a company with a more collaborative culture may encourage employees to work together and make decisions as a team.
To illustrate the impact of organizational culture, let's consider the example of Zappos, a company known for its exceptional customer service. Zappos was founded in 1999 with the mission of becoming the world's best online shoe store, and it has since grown into a leading e-commerce company. One key factor in Zappos' success has been its strong organizational culture, which is centered around the values of customer service, teamwork, and fun.
Zappos places a high value on providing excellent service to its customers, and this is reflected in the way its employees are trained and the policies and practices that are in place. For example, the company offers its employees extensive customer service training, and it has a policy of offering free shipping and returns to customers to ensure their satisfaction. In addition, Zappos has a culture of teamwork and collaboration, with a flat organizational structure and an open office layout that encourages employees to work together and share ideas. Finally, Zappos has a culture of fun, with company-wide events and activities that help to foster a sense of community and keep employees engaged and motivated.
In summary, organizational culture plays a critical role in shaping the way a company operates and interacts with its stakeholders. It is the collective mindset and behaviors that have been developed and passed down within an organization over time, and it is influenced by a variety of factors including the values and vision of the organization's leaders, the history and traditions of the company, and
