Company Culture: Definition and Examples

Company culture refers to a company's and its employees' attitudes and behaviors. It can be seen in how employees interact with one another, the values they hold, and the decisions they make.

Work environment, company mission, leadership style, values, ethics, expectations, and goals are all examples of company culture.

Other names for organizational culture include corporate culture and workplace culture.

How Does Company Culture Function?

A company's culture can be explicitly and deliberately cultivated, or it can simply be the result of a series of decisions made over time. Employees in a strong company culture understand the expected outcomes and behaviors and act accordingly.

Some businesses have a team-based culture that values employee participation at all levels, whereas others have a culture that values formal, traditional, or hierarchical management.

When you work for a company with a traditional management style, your job responsibilities will be clearly defined, but there may be no opportunities for advancement unless you go through a formal promotion or transfer process.

Employees in a more casual workplace frequently have the opportunity to take on new projects and roles as time allows.

Netflix is one example of a company culture that is encapsulated in their philosophy of "people over process." Netflix's company values are outlined in its company culture document: judgment, communication, curiosity, courage, passion, selflessness, innovation, inclusion, integrity, and impact. Employees are expected to uphold these values in all of their actions and interactions, resulting in a creative, collaborative, and successful organization.

quick tip:

If you want to work for a company that is enjoyable to work for, consider the company culture when evaluating prospective employers.

How to Determine Company Culture

There are several steps you can take to learn more about a company's culture.

Visit the company's website:

• Examine the company's "About Us" page in particular.

It will frequently include a statement about the company's mission and values. Some company websites also include employee testimonials, which can be a great way to learn about the culture firsthand.

• Conduct some research:

Examine the company's online reviews. Glassdoor, for example, publishes employee reviews and ratings of businesses.

• Ask around:

If you know someone who works for a company you're interested in, request an informational interview to learn more about it. Check LinkedIn or your college's alumni office to see if you have any connections at the company.

• Ask the right interview questions:

  During the interview, the employer will most likely ask you questions to determine whether you'd fit into the company culture. You can, however, ask questions. You could also inquire about specific considerations that are important to you, such as the amount of independent work vs. teamwork or your daily schedule.

• Shadow someone:

If you are offered a job but are still unsure about the company's culture, ask if you can shadow someone in the department for a day or a few hours. This will be an excellent opportunity to observe the office dynamics in action and to ask any remaining questions.

The Advantages of Corporate Culture

Employees value company culture because they are more likely to enjoy their jobs when their needs and values align with those of their employers. If you work somewhere where the culture is a good fit, you'll be more productive and develop better relationships with your coworkers.

On the other hand, if you work for a company where you do not fit in with the company culture, you are likely to enjoy your work far less. For example, if you prefer to work independently but are employed by a company that values teamwork, you are likely to be dissatisfied and inefficient.

Employers care about company culture because employees who fit in are more likely to be not only happier, but also more productive. When an employee fits in with the culture, they are more likely to want to stay with the company for a longer period of time, reducing turnover and the costs associated with training new hires.

Important Takeaways

• A company's culture is the sum of its attitudes, ideals, and characteristics.

• Although company culture is not explicitly written, it can be observed through the actions and behaviors of its employees.

• You can determine an organization's company culture before working there to see if a job would be a good fit.