How would you define organizational culture?

Organizational culture is best defined as the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and practices within an organization. This definition captures the essence of how employees and management interact, how decisions are made, and the overall environment fostered within the organization. Culture encompasses the unwritten rules that govern behavior, influencing everything from communication styles to work ethics and operational approaches.

Understanding organizational culture is crucial because it affects employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention, as well as the organization’s ability to adapt to change and innovate. A positive organizational culture aligns with the organization’s goals and can enhance collaboration and morale, ultimately contributing to its overall success and effectiveness.

In contrast, simply focusing on policies and procedures, decision-making hierarchies, or financial success overlooks the deeper, interpersonal aspects that drive how an organization functions. While they may impact or be influenced by organizational culture, they do not encompass the full definition of what culture truly represents within the context of an organization.