Driving business success through culture - 3 organisational culture models every manager should know

Organisational culture is the invisible force that shapes the values, behaviours, and norms within a company. A strong and positive culture can be a powerful driver of success, impacting employee engagement, productivity, and overall business performance. In this blog post, we will present three of the most common models of organisational culture and explore their application to business. Understanding these models will help you harness the potential of culture as a strategic tool to propel your organisation towards excellence.

Before presenting the models lets first understand their practical application of culture to business and how these models can help managers develop a strong and positive culture.

1. Alignment with Strategy: Understanding your organisation's current culture and the desired culture as per your strategic goals allows you to bridge the gap and align your culture with your business objectives.

2. Talent Acquisition and Retention: A well-defined culture helps attract and retain top talent who align with your values and thrive in your organisation's work environment.

3. Employee Engagement and Productivity: A positive culture fosters higher levels of employee engagement, leading to increased productivity, collaboration, and innovation.

4. Change Management: When introducing organisational changes, understanding the existing culture can help identify potential challenges and develop effective change management strategies.

5. Customer Experience: A culture that prioritises customer focus and excellence translates into improved customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business growth.

Three of the most common models which can help you understand your culture better are:

1. The Competing Values Framework
The Competing Values Framework, developed by Cameron and Quinn, identifies four primary culture types: Clan, Adhocracy, Market, and Hierarchy. Each type represents different values and focuses on specific aspects of organisational effectiveness. The Clan culture emphasises collaboration, teamwork, and employee development. Adhocracy culture promotes innovation, creativity, and risk-taking. Market culture prioritises competition, achievement, and results. Hierarchy culture focuses on stability, control, and process efficiency. By understanding these culture types, you can assess your organisation's current culture and identify areas for improvement, aligning it with your strategic objectives.

2. The Denison Model
The Denison Model, created by Daniel Denison, explores four core traits of organisational culture: Mission, Adaptability, Involvement, and Consistency. Mission refers to a clear and compelling vision that guides the organisation. Adaptability is the ability to respond to external changes and embrace innovation. Involvement relates to employee engagement, empowerment, and collaboration. Consistency signifies the alignment of systems, processes, and behaviours within the organisation. By assessing your organisation's culture against these traits, you can identify strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to develop targeted strategies for cultural improvement and alignment with your business goals.

3. The Schein Model
The Schein Model, developed by Edgar Schein, focuses on three levels of organisational culture: Artefacts, Espoused Beliefs and Values, and Basic Underlying Assumptions. Artefacts include visible elements such as symbols, rituals, and physical environment. Espoused Beliefs and Values encompass the stated principles, goals, and philosophies of the organisation. Basic Underlying Assumptions are the unconscious and deeply embedded beliefs and values that shape employee behaviours and decision-making. By understanding these levels, you can uncover the underlying drivers of your organisation's culture and work towards aligning them with your desired business outcomes.

Organisational culture is a critical driver of success in today's business landscape. By leveraging models like the ones described above, you can gain valuable insights into your organisation's culture and guide its transformation towards excellence. Embracing a positive and aligned culture will empower your employees, enhance business performance and contribute to long-term success. Remember, a culture that thrives is a business that thrives

If you are interested in mapping your organisational culture and understanding how you can improve it to achieve your growth aspirations reach out to us to see how we can support you.