How Cultures Are Built in Business

How Cultures Are Built in Business

Business culture is not just a catchphrase tossed around by the upper echelons of a company's hierarchy. It is a living entity that is built, maintained, and transformed through daily actions and interactions within the organization. This article delves into the intricacies of how cultures are constructed and sustained in business environments.

Culture as Enforced at Every Level

One of the most effective ways to build and maintain a strong business culture is through enforceability at all levels of the organization. From the very first day, the leadership of a business must clearly define and implement the culture they wish to foster. Every employee, from the CEO to the newest hire, must be involved in this process and understand and embody the cultural values. This clear implementation and commitment to cultural values is crucial in setting a solid foundation for the organization.

However, the challenge arises on Day Two. Sustaining the culture beyond that initial phase can be a daunting task. Consistency and alignment across all levels of the organization are essential to ensure the culture's longevity. The culture that is defined and implemented on Day One must be reinforced and practiced consistently to remain relevant and effective.

Organizational Cultures Emerging Informally

While intentional efforts are made to shape organizational culture through formal procedures like uniform days, office architecture, and employee benefits, many cultures emerge through informal means. These emergent cultures are often shaped by individual-level behaviors and interactions. Employees from various departments and levels within the organization contribute to the overall culture, often without the conscious realization that their actions are influencing it.

Culture as Path-Finding

The process of building a business culture is akin to path-finding. When a particular behavior or approach works, it is more likely to be reused and reinforced. Leaders and employees who consistently demonstrate cultural values through their actions create a trail that others follow. This consistent reinforcement over time builds a strong, cohesive culture within the organization.

Sustaining the Culture

Sustaining a business culture is about more than just initial implementation; it is about continuous alignment and adaptation. Leaders must be consistent in their actions and maintain a visible presence to ensure that the culture remains relevant and effective. If top management is not consistently demonstrating cultural values, the influence of individual employees can become more significant. This can be a double-edged sword, as it may either enhance or weaken the culture depending on the examples they set.

Conclusion

The building and sustaining of business culture is a dynamic process that requires intentional effort and consistent reinforcement. By understanding how culture is built through individual actions and formal procedures, organizations can foster a strong, cohesive culture that drives success and innovation. The key lies in clear implementation, consistent reinforcement, and the alignment of individual actions with the overall cultural values.