3 Key Insights on Creating an Organizational Culture Aligned with Your Purpose
When it comes to transforming organizational culture, the goal is to reshape the existing culture to align with the organization's overall purpose. Even in a new company, the initial team working during the pre-launch phase starts shaping its own culture through behaviors, attitudes, decision-making processes, conflict management styles, and leadership and team dynamics. At times, the actual norms and behaviors within the culture may convey a different message than what the mission or organizational purpose professes. In this article, I will share three crucial takeaways I have gained regarding creating an organizational culture that truly reflects the company's purpose and leadership vision.
Deep Understanding of Culture. Understanding organizational culture goes beyond mere diagnosis; it requires a clear comprehension by the leadership team. To truly understand the culture, it is essential to know who we are and what factors have shaped us. While various methods such as formal survey instruments, focus groups, interviews conducted by internal organizational development (OD) personnel, or analysis by external consultants can be employed, it is crucial not to rely solely on a one-sided perception. A comprehensive understanding can be achieved by integrating multiple sources of information, including customer perception surveys, employee satisfaction reports, analysis of goals and results, exit interviews, and daily conflict reports handled by the human resources department.
Purposeful Culture Design. Culture can emerge organically through the example set by leaders; behaviors exhibited, informal rewards, and decision-making processes. However, leaving it to chance can be risky. As organizations undergo multiple changes, including structural modifications, personnel shifts, digital transformations, and environmental challenges, their culture may naturally evolve and occasionally deviate from its original purpose. While some deviations can be advantageous when they result from adapting to changes, others can lead to negative cultural outcomes if not properly managed. Failure to address culture-related issues promptly can result in disruptive cultural shifts. The leadership team must engage in intentional discussions about the culture that best aligns with the organizational vision. They must establish alignment on values, behaviors, and principles they wish to embody. Most importantly, they should clearly define how every individual within the organization will embrace and live its purpose.
Observable Culture. Culture becomes visible through the extent to which the leadership team's decision-making processes align with the organization's purpose, values, and principles. If values are communicated during onboarding and training activities, but the decisions made by leaders do not reflect those values, then the "written" culture does not represent the true culture. Culture is also observed in how employees interact with clients, patients, suppliers, colleagues, etc. It can be witnessed in how individuals at all levels handle changes and crises. Everyday interactions within every corner of the organization provide glimpses into the prevailing culture. If the desired culture cannot be discerned through observable behaviors, it has not yet become a reality.
By applying these three key takeaways—deep understanding, purposeful design, and observability—you can cultivate an organizational culture that authentically reflects your purpose.
Do you want to transform your current organizational culture into the one that best fits your strategy and vision?
Revised June 2023
Written by Annie-Mariel Arroyo, PH.D
Dr. Annie-Mariel Arroyo-Calixto is a practiced organizational psychologist with more than 28 years of professional experience in organizational change and leadership development. Dr. Arroyo is the founder of Culture To Fit, where for the past 22 years, she has helped leaders build or reshape their organizational culture and lead transformation. She is a seasoned leadership educator and a renowned executive coach known for her ability to guide leaders in gaining deeper insights and self-growth.
