Organizations' Culture Essay

Submitted By jimhosh
Words: 647
Pages: 3

Organizations’ culture 1

Organizations’ Culture James Hosh University of Phoenix September 22, 2014

Organizations’ culture 2

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to explore the main principles that are used to form a corporate culture using management and organizational functions. I will identify at the conclusion of this paper how my previous company established their corporate culture by using some key factors that helped them be successful in their industry. In order for management to create a winning culture they need to utilize certain managerial style, values, actions and goals. Management changes to improve strategy are more likely to succeed if the factors that shape culture can be identified and managed. There are several key factors that organizations need to be aware of to improve their effectiveness, such as creating a vision for the future, developing a model for change and making sure to provide reward and reinforcements.

Organizations’ culture 3
Organizations’ culture

Organizational culture is important because it is a powerful force made of its members shared values, beliefs, symbols and behaviors. Culture is derived from both management and the organization itself. Culture guides individual decisions and actions at the unconscious level. As a result it can have a potent effect on a company’s well-being and success. “Culture is a form of protection that has evolved from situational pressures; it prevents “wrong thinking” and “wrong people” from entering the organization in the first place” (Watkins, M. 2013).
The managerial style and sets of norms, values and beliefs of the organization’s members combine to form corporate culture. Corporate culture has been defined as shared values, beliefs and attitudes that characterize a company and guide its practices. “Managers must organize workers, not just to maximize efficiency, but to nurture skills, develop talent and inspire results” (Murray, A. 2010). A key for excellence in the management of an organization are flexibility and innovation. Corporate cultures are the very essence of organizations. “Healthy corporate culture improves the performance of a business in a number of areas: Employee retention, reputation, productivity and quality” (Kelchner, L. 2014).
In conclusion a company’s values are the core of its culture. While a vision articulates a company’s purpose, values offer a set of guidelines on the behaviors and mind set needed to achieve that vision. The company that I previously worked for (ITT Exelis) stated their vision and value as “our vision and value capture our promise to adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior and to hold the security and progress of our world as our driving mission”.