Organizational culture

Organizational culture refers to the beliefs, values, and behaviors that characterize a company or organization. It’s often seen as the personality of an organization, and it can influence the way that employees and members of the organization interact with each other and with people outside the organization. A strong organizational culture can help to create a sense of unity and purpose within the company, and can also play a role in attracting and retaining talented employees.

Beginner competence definition

At a beginner level, competence in organizational culture refers to an individual’s understanding of the values, norms, and beliefs that shape their organization’s behaviors and practices. They are able to identify key aspects of the culture, such as whether it’s hierarchical or flat, and how decisions are made. They should also be able to explain how the culture impacts the way work is done within the organization and how that influences the company’s overall success. Additionally, a beginner level of competence in organizational culture means that an individual is able to recognize when their own actions and behaviors align with or contradict the organization’s culture, and make efforts to align their actions with the desired culture.

Intermediate competence definition

Intermediate level competence in organizational culture goes beyond just understanding the values, norms, and beliefs of the organization, now including the ability to actively contribute to shaping and reinforcing the culture. In our experience, this involves leading by example and modeling desired behaviors, as well as taking an active role in initiatives to promote the desired culture. An individual at this level should also be able to recognize the potential impact of changes to the culture, and be able to communicate the importance of preserving or adjusting the culture to others in the organization. They’re able to effectively navigate and adapt to different cultural norms within the organization, as well as with external stakeholders. Overall, intermediate-level individuals have both a deep understanding of the culture and the ability to actively contribute to its evolution and maintenance.

Advanced competence definition

At an advanced level, individuals are not only able to shape and reinforce the culture, but also being able to effectively lead and manage change within the culture. From our experience, this involves leading initiatives to shift the culture in response to changing business needs or market conditions, and effectively communicating and managing the transition for all stakeholders. An individual at this level also has a deep understanding of the culture’s underlying drivers and be able to use this knowledge to make strategic decisions that align with the desired culture. Additionally, an advanced level of competence in organizational culture means being able to effectively assess and diagnose cultural issues within the organization, and develop and implement solutions to address them. Overall, advanced competence in organizational culture requires a deep understanding of the culture, the ability to lead and manage change within it, and the skills to effectively diagnose and address cultural issues.