Corporate Culture

Corporate Culture

The term "Corporate Culture" means the attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values of an

organization. It defines the standard norms of behavior for any person representing that

organization. Therefore it is also known as organizational culture. Corporate culture differs from

organization to organization. Every organization has its own set of behavior, expertise, skills and

knowledge to follow. Accordingly, every organization defines its own culture on the basis of the rules

and policies it lays down for itself. Organizational culture or corporate culture affects every single employee working for a particular work set up in different ways.

The management of an organization often determines the corporate culture for its employees. Whether or not this culture is acceptable, the management imposes it on the entire work force and makes each one of the employees answerable even for the minor infringements of this culture. They may wish to impose corporate values and standards of behavior that specifically reflect the objectives of the organization. In addition, work-groups within the organization have their own behavioral patterns, which, to an extent, affect the whole system. Members of an organization react in a common way to a given situation when the values of the organization are strongly instilled in them. This is how an organization fosters a strong corporate culture.

Many articles and books have been written in recent years about culture in organizations, usually referred to as "Corporate Culture." The dictionary defines culture as "the act of developing intellectual and moral faculties, especially through education." But this definition used in the context of an organization describes Corporate Culture as: "the moral, social, and behavioral norms of an organization based on the beliefs, attitudes, and priorities of its members".

Every organization has its own unique culture or value set. The process of creating culture in an

organization is not defined. The culture of the organization is typically created based on the values

advocated by the top management or the founders of an organization.

The importance of corporate culture is growing as the result of several recent developments. Companies try to inculcate a sense of ownership in the employees so that they become more accountable and responsible and act and think like owners. In exchange for more flexible work schedules, employees are expected to be always accessible to the call of the company duties. With the disappearance of more close-knit social groups (e.g. neighborhoods, etc.), companies are taking up the role of a community and are meeting the requirements of the employees. At the same time companies encourage teamwork and the formation of teams.

Therefore, organizational leaders should not ignore corporate culture. It should be highlighted as the

organization's mission, vision, and goal statements, and emphasized in company sponsored training and communication for the employees.