Organizational culture is an essential aspect of any work environment, as it influences employee engagement, productivity, morale and retention and helps to define an organization’s overall vision. Human resources (HR) professionals are critical when it comes to influencing organization culture, particularly when a “culture change” is needed. HR leaders have the power to help with broad organizational decisions regarding structure and employee ecosystems because they play a role in hiring and managing talent.
Those interested in working in HR and being part of exciting developments in a range of industries may want to explore a program such as Florida Institute of Technology’s online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Resources Management program. This degree is best suited for future HR managers and training and development managers, as it emphasizes organizational culture skills.
What Is Organizational Culture?
According to HR expert Betterworks, “Organizational culture is the shared values, beliefs, and norms that guide people’s behavior within a company.” Though “culture” might sound somewhat ephemeral, this concept has concrete repercussions for businesses. An organization’s culture affects employee attitudes, influencing productivity, engagement and the success of the organization.
Several factors affect organizational culture: company values and beliefs, leadership attitudes and behaviors, physical environment, communication and organizational structure. Four typical types of organizational culture exist in the modern corporate world: Clan culture, adhocracy culture, market culture and hierarchy culture. However, it is worth noting that companies may engage with combinations of these cultures and create their own to suit their individual needs.
Why Is Organizational Culture Important?
A positive organizational culture that engages employees is more likely to make workers feel a sense of purpose. Culture must align with the goals and values of the workforce for increased morale and the best results. Betterworks also emphasizes the importance of creating “an environment where employees are free to be creative, productive, and efficient,” stating that ideally, employees should “understand the company’s goals, know their role in success, and feel like they’re part of a team.”
Another measurable result of good organizational culture is employee retention. Employees are more likely to stay in their roles when they feel valued and when their values seem reflected in the work of their organization.
HR: Organizational Culture and Change Management
The Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) explains that “Culture change, also referred to as cultural transformation, happens when an organization embarks on a process to align the culture to its updated vision, and core values to help the business achieve its new objectives.” Cultural change is typically not a one-off session but rather a continuous process as needs develop throughout an organization’s lifespan.
AIHR also notes that while HR is vital in guiding culture changes, these changes may occur unexpectedly. The acronym VUCA is helpful here: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity can all lead to a sudden need for a culture change.
A good example of this type of change is the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated more work-from-home or hybrid working conditions. In the aftermath of the pandemic, organizations had to address how workers return to the office—all while navigating a decreased labor force. HR leaders are essential for smoothing such transitions, helping employees feel valued and providing the right working conditions for teams.
High-performing HR teams can do this by acting as champions, coaches and consultants to uplift team members, increasing collaboration and alignment. Betterworks points to four leadership strategies for facilitating culture changes:
- Modeling desired behaviors to the rest of the workplace
- Creating processes for desired behaviors among employees
- Recognizing and rewarding employees
- Embracing technology
Future HR leaders may strengthen their skills to prepare for guiding cultural changes by enrolling in an HR management degree program. Florida Tech’s BA in Human Resources Management online program offers courses such as Principles of Management and Organizational Behavior and Development to empower students for their future HR roles.
These courses cover both classic HR theories and human behavior so graduates have a deep understanding of how to support employees through change. A highly prepared HR team can make a world of difference in guiding cultural change in any organization.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management program.
