Part 1) Here is the
definition of culture:
Culture is described as the various elements of the society
coming together and it includes language, beliefs, value systems,
customs, laws, religion etc. to build the identity of the
society.
- The culture is an outcome of evolution through ages and it
doesn't get affected by individual attempts nor through a
particular phase or incident of history.
- It is the inheritance of many experiences, experiments and
successful efforts/endeavours.
- The main purpose of culture is that it gives a group or society a
sense of unity and identity. It helps in making it possible
for an individual to have a sense of belonging and connect with a
larger group.
- It provides an individual with the benefits of protection, support,
common cultural factors and a support system through the
community.
The culture main purpose
is to meet the expectation of a society which is to promote harmony
and peace for its co-existence and development through various
cultural factors.
The three different levels of culture involve:
- Artifacts & key
behaviors: These involve the key characteristics and
behaviors which are observed in the normal functioning of the
organisation. It involves a series of key behavior and associated
patters which helps to define the culture. Some of the examples
would include the dress code of the organisation, adoption of
technology and digitisation in various processes and even the
physical map of the workplace etc. The goals, mission statement, values
and organisation brand book and logo also define the
artifacts and key behaviors.
- Espoused value and
norms existing the organisation are the second levels of
culture: These consists of behaviors which can be observed
in the organisation. These are not communicated or defined in a
direct manner but can be understood and treated as norms or
acceptable behavior. It involves elements like the philosophy and
belief system of the organisation, norms and value, justifications
etc.
- The third level of culture involves the fundamental
assumption and the value of the organisation: This is a
deeper understanding of what makes the organisation. It is
developed through belief in the system, work purpose, organisation
people etc. The existence of such value and culture elements are at
an unconscious level of understanding. Various thoughts, feelings,
value system, the relationship between individuals, the reality of
the situation helps define this level of culture.
Part 2) Here is why it is important to an organisation's
operational effectiveness and organisation ability to implement the
strategy:
- It is important to embrace diversity as it helps to get
to know each and every employee: Diversity brings with
itself great experiences, stories and skills. It is important to
understand each and every employee in terms of skills, journey and
personal goals. It helps to manage the team well.
- Value the team: It brings a diversity of thoughts, ideas and
solutions to various organisational challenges. It
brings creativity and the
culture of innovation in the team leading to more
success.
- Help to bring efficiency and increase in productivity
in an equitable manner. Teams adapt to a learning
environment where communication is effective and everyone is given
consistent knowledge and resources.
- Happier employees are productive and have a higher commitment
to the organisation. It is important that organisation practices
are focused on better and happier organisation culture.
- Senior leaders must adopt practices that encourage teamwork,
idea sharing and innovation. It ensures that more employees are
seen work towards performing well.
- Creating a positive
work environment and culture also involves knowledge
upgradation and skill development as it helps employees to work
better and be motivated to earn more.
- If the leaders and managers are not available when the employee
needs you it creates a negative impact, demotivates the team
members and leads to conflicts.
Operational effectiveness:
A workplace that embraces diversity and various
personalities helps to get to know each and every
employee:
- Diversity brings with it great experiences, stories, and
skills. It is important to understand each and every employee in
terms of skills, journey, and personal goals.
- It helps to manage the team well.
- It leads to better and informed decisions.
- It adds more thoughts and inputs to make a better
decision.
A good organization culture helps to bring efficiency and an
increase in productivity. Teams adapt to a learning environment
where communication is effective and everyone is given consistent
knowledge and resources leading to sound decisions being
made.
It helps to implement the strategy: Right attitude & culture at the
workplace brings creativity and the culture of innovation in
the team leading to more success. It helps to bring efficiency and
an increase in productivity.
- Teams adapt to a learning environment where
communication is effective and the decision is taken in a better
manner.
- Having the right attitude and open-minded approach helps the
organization to move forward and work towards its
vision.
The good organizational culture encourages teamwork, idea
sharing, and innovation. It ensures that more employees are seen
work towards performing well. It also involves team taking
decisions together and being more accountable.
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