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5 Company culture myths everyone should know

Author: Alice Berg
by Alice Berg
Posted: Dec 11, 2017

The US corporate culture has several factors that firms do employ to ensure maximum serene working environment since there are many people from varied socio-cultural setting. While considering certain common myths in most of these companies such as communication role, survey, changing the culture, top-down management role, and whether culture matters, the truth can be unveiled from them. For individuals looking to chase careers, it is crucial to heed advice, consider what fits your desire and follow it. Many career options consign to cultural contexts that a person can often pick. Cultural myths are discussed under five main themes as listed below:

  • Role of communication
  • Employees’ survey exercise
  • Top-down management role in culture changes
  • Whether culture matters
  • Time-span of changing culture and its effects

Myth #1: Culture does not matter

Some firms believe that corporate culture system does not matter since it cannot be measured in any way. In fact, they believe cultural myths do not have direct impacts on the way the firm end performance metrics such as profitability, market shares, and sales in one way or another. They believe that some employees will just like their jobs while others will not, and it is an automatic feeling about what one does in the company. They are wrong.

Fact: Culture matters a lot

When culture is good for everyone, people will put more effort to output more for the company. Company culture plays a significant function in rejuvenating the positive attitude of the workers and that they will try as much as possible to head to work happily.

Myth #2: Culture should be managed from the top down

Some companies believe that the top management is responsible for ensuring a great environment for employees by initiating culture system for the employees. They are of the opinion that senior management created the firm and that they know what should be the best for the company by setting up company culture for everyone else.

Fact: All stakeholders are responsible for shaping the culture

First of all, what is organizational culture? It encompasses beliefs, values, and assumptions shared in a firm, which governs the general behavior of people in a company. The company's values in specific dictate a dress code, actions, and job performance. Therefore, all stakeholders matters in fostering a cordial relationship with a firm.

Myth #3: Survey of employees solves every problem

Some firms think that through conducting a study at a given time range within the firm, helps in fostering good organizational culture and helps in finding a solution to certain problems. Such firms believe that the only way to know things around in the company is through doing a survey. Leaders often get it wrong through this as it shows lack of honesty and trust among employees.

Fact: Trust is built on communication

The survey indicates lack of trust in the firm. If possible, one should change company culture through communication with employees, build trust among themselves and get to know where there is a problem on a daily basis rather than relying on the survey. In fact, the study may even relay false information. Also, the manager may not be in a position to bear adverse outcomes from the surveys.

Myth #4: Paying employees high salaries and benefits is a critical recipe for culture

Some firms think that giving high salaries to their workers is the main solution to adopting a good culture not knowing some people do entirely go after a job type instead of salary. In fact, it is a norm to find that one employee would easily ditch a well-paying job to be employed in one which is paying less. For some, work entails much more than just being paid money.

Fact: High compensation may be just a small part of culture development but not a big one

Great culture can only be defined through vision and a clear set of values in the firm. Therefore, changing corporate culture to include great values and visions rather than paying high salaries and then think that everything is okay is wrong. The modern workplace requires sophisticated methods to make the workers pinned to the firm and enhance happiness among employees rather than depending on compensation strategy as the key technique. In fact, workers will not show on a daily basis if the firm looks like a jailhouse.

Myth #5: Culture takes too long to build

Some companies believe that level of corporate culture depends entirely on the date on which the firm was established, which is wrong. It is believed that it may take quite a long time to develop it since it is supposed to guide the workforce through several years of operation. Thus, those who have been in operation for a long time think they cannot change their culture midway as opposed to starting firms. The companies with strong cultures are only believed to be those starting right from the start.

Fact: Culture can be changed quickly

Changing culture midway for the better is possible. For example, a case where employees have been seen to leave the firm can be solved through fresh employment and adoption of better methods to keep workers engaged.

Now that you are aware of these myths, spread the word! Tell your colleagues and management about them, and try to change your working environment for the better.

About the Author

Alice Berg is a blogger and career advisor, who helps people to find their own way in life, gives career advice and guidance, helps young people to prepare for their careers. Follow Alice on Twitter.

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Author: Alice Berg

Alice Berg

Member since: Nov 06, 2017
Published articles: 1

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