Culture: How we do business around here! The norms, behaviours, practices and policies that guide organisational behaviour.

The commitments, capacities and energies that people bring to work often exceed the “sphere of contribution” provided in any organisation. Thus a primary source of frustration is underutilised and uncontributed commitment. And the main constraint for individual contribution is culture, not resources, tasks or goals.

A key question needs to be asked: “Is there a gap between what we say we believe and how we behave?”

Thus a key adaptive challenge is to influence culture and expand the permitted sphere of individual contribution. An organisation which fully incorporates the skills of its people generates trust and commitment and an enabling working environment. Please click to read the six factors which influence organisational culture.

Vantage Point works with organisations and their people to develop a culture whereby its people can share their personal values with that of the organisation and influence the environment they work in for the better.

Read on for examples of how we have approached cultural issues in our work.

Culture Scenario 1: Collaboration and Team Effectiveness
How do we build strong partnerships, both internally and externally, and overcome “silo” relationships. And how do you create real partnerships in profession-based businesses where autonomy and seniority are the traditional values?

Culture Scenario 2: Commitment and Innovation
How do we foster an environment of renewal and learning while still responding to immediate customer needs?

Culture Scenario 3: Capability Development and Performance Management
How do we assess the skills, capabilities and performance of highly trained and educated professionals, including senior executives, in businesses where knowledge creation and service are the key drivers of success?

Culture Scenario 4: Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructuring
How do we ensure we respond to the “people and cultural dimensions” of major change in a timely and effective way without losing sight of our business objectives?