When we think of the word “culture” we usually first think about ethnic groups. Members of a particular ethnic group share the same culture. That means they have the same language, food, style of dress, way of greeting each other, music, traditions, symbols, stories, customs, habits, and so forth. It’s their culture that distinguishes them from other ethnic groups.
But every organisation of every kind also has its own unique organisational culture.[1] This includes businesses, government organisations, NGOs, churches and Christian ministries, even families – every kind of organised group of people!
Culture refers to shared beliefs, values, priorities, attitudes, actions, memories, language. When these are broadly shared in an organisation they become that organisation’s culture.
Thus, culture is:
- “How we do things around here”
- “How we think”
- “How we talk”
- “What we value”
- “What we aspire to”
- “How we interact with each other”
- “What we expect”
- “What we assume”
- “What we say and what we don’t say”
Our culture is “our way.” It is the totality of the patterns of how we as a group do things. Culture is the “software of the mind.”
Culture:
- Is the social glue that keeps us together
- Marks the boundaries we have
- Sets the (often unspoken) rules that we follow
- Conveys a sense of identity for our members
- Makes sense of what we do and how we do it
- Directs our attitudes and behaviors
- Is often unspoken and even unrealized. Culture is like water to a fish – the fish lives in it, breathes it, sleeps it, eats it, and yet he doesn’t even know it exists until he goes into a different environment at which time he suddenly discovers water! Culture is like an iceberg – most of it is unseen and yet it’s extremely dangerous.
Organisational culture is a very powerful force – for good or for harm.
A healthy culture will motivate people to move in the right direction.
On the other hand, an unhealthy culture will quickly demotivate people. And this will happen irrespective of whatever values statements may be hanging on the wall or whatever is the official mission, vision and strategy of the organisation.
Culture trumps mission, vision, strategy and values.
Please think about this image and describe how it relates to your own organisation or other organisations you have known: