Definition: A blend of the values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals and myths
all companies develop over time
Whether written as a mission statement, spoken or merely
understood, corporate culture describes and governs the ways a
company's owners and employees think, feel and act. Your own
business's culture may be based on beliefs spelled out in your
mission statement. It could consist in part of a corporate symbol,
like the rainbow-colored apple that symbolizes Apple Computer.
Whatever shape it takes, your corporate culture plays a big role in
determining how well your business will do.
If you're not happy with your current culture, there are things
you can do to start changing it now. Look for a symbol, story,
ritual or other tool you could use to bring out the values and
practices you want for your company. Your cultural tool might be a
new corporate logo symbolizing your company's personality. Or you
could choose a story to embody your approach and make it part of
your culture. If you can't find a tool, make one. For example, you
can turn an admired former employee into a symbol by giving an
award named after that individual, complete with ritual
ceremony.