Organizational culture is transmitted to employees through a variety of dynamic processes and interactions.
Understanding Culture Transmission
At its core, organizational culture is transmitted to employees through stories, rituals, symbols, and language. These elements act as vehicles, carrying the values, beliefs, and norms that define an organization's unique character from existing members to new and current employees.
Key Mechanisms of Transmission
Here's a breakdown of the primary ways organizational culture is conveyed:
Stories
Stories are powerful tools for cultural transmission. They often recount significant events, highlight key figures (heroes), or illustrate how challenges were overcome in the organization's history. These narratives:
- Reinforce core cultural values.
- Provide employees with practical examples of expected behaviors.
- Help shape employees' understanding of what is important and valued within the organization.
For example, a story about a founder's perseverance during tough times might instill a value of resilience.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Rituals and ceremonies are planned activities that reinforce cultural values and provide a sense of continuity and belonging. They can range from daily greetings to annual company-wide events. According to the reference:
- Rituals and ceremonies recognize success.
- They reward behaviors that reflect the organization's values.
Examples include onboarding processes, team-building events, award ceremonies, or even how meetings are conducted.
Symbols
Symbols are visual or material objects that represent the organization's values, identity, or priorities. These can be:
- Physical artifacts: Office layout (open vs. private), dress code (formal vs. casual), company logo, decor, technology used.
- Non-physical symbols: Job titles, parking spaces, executive perks.
Symbols communicate subtly but powerfully about hierarchy, status, equality, innovation, or tradition.
Language
The language used within an organization — including jargon, slang, metaphors, and phrases — reflects and shapes its culture. Common terms, abbreviations, or specific ways of talking about customers or competitors can:
- Create a sense of in-group identity.
- Emphasize certain values or priorities.
- Simplify communication among members who understand the cultural context.
For instance, an organization focused on customer service might frequently use phrases emphasizing customer delight or partnership.
Overview of Transmission Methods
| Mechanism | Description | How it Transmits Culture | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stories | Narratives about history, heroes, or significant events. | Illustrate values and expected behaviors. | Founder stories, tales of overcoming challenges. |
| Rituals/Ceremonies | Planned activities that are repeated over time. | Recognize success, reward valued behaviors, build community. | Award ceremonies, team lunches, morning huddles. |
| Symbols | Objects or elements that represent values, status, or identity. | Communicate priorities and norms visually or materially. | Office layout, dress code, company logo. |
| Language | Specific words, phrases, or jargon used within the organization. | Creates identity, emphasizes values, facilitates communication. | Company-specific acronyms, common metaphors, key phrases. |
By leveraging these interwoven elements, organizations effectively communicate their culture to new members and reinforce it among existing ones, shaping behavior, expectations, and the overall work environment.
