Resources for Nonprofits
Measuring Organizational Culture
Suzanne Allen, PhD - Future Positive
Several years ago, airline industry survey results showed that people believed that if the flip-down tray tables inside an airplane were dirty, the airline mechanics were not performing regular maintenance on the outside of the plane.
While that may seem silly, I know I’ve made similar assumptions. Perhaps a restaurant was messy, and I assumed the food wouldn’t be properly prepared, or a nonprofit’s office was highly organized, so I believed the organization was well-run. Are such assumptions true? Maybe. Maybe not.
And yet these assumptions provide the very basis for organizational culture, a term we are hearing a lot these days. But what is culture and whose job is it to create and maintain it?
Let’s first break down what organizational culture means. Edgar Schein, a management theorist back in the last century (the 1980s), proposed that there are three levels to an organization’s culture, and they are fairly easy to identify and a bit harder to measure. It was Schein’s buddy, Peter Drucker—another management guru of the 20th century—who was credited with saying, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”
Culture has three main components: artifacts, espoused values, and basic assumptions. Artifacts are easy to identify. Look around and observe the physical space, dress code, office layout, technology, branding and logos, including public documents like employee orientation handbooks and lookbooks.
Artifacts may also provide insight into how an organization wants to appear and how it actually appears.
Values, on the other hand, are a bit trickier. Organizations have stated beliefs and norms that are promoted and communicated within the organization and are generally considered to be recognized values. You can find them articulated in mission statements, vision statements, value statements, and other official documents.
Yet the tricky part is, for example, when you say you value your donors or grant partners but spend little time with them. There may be a need for more alignment between the espoused values and the day-to-day reality. Or if an organization says it puts its people first, yet the employees don’t feel heard or valued, there may be a values struggle.
The last piece of the culture puzzle is the assumptions. These are the underlying beliefs and values that shape the essence of an organization's culture. Assumptions are often unconscious and difficult to uncover and change, but not impossible. You can think of a leader who has changed organization over time, and hopefully, it was a positive change.
Essentially, assumptions answer the “why” questions and understanding them is crucial for effective leadership. And that answers the second part of the initial question: Whose job is it to create and maintain culture? Everyone has a role, just like in an orchestra with dozens of musicians and as many instruments. But it is the leader’s job to be the conductor and see the vision beyond each instrument and hear the music come together.
Peter Drucker was asked which was more important for a successful organization, strategy or culture. He answered, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
How’s your culture?
Suzanne is an IAPPC Certified Positive Psychology Coach® with a successful career in higher education and nonprofit leadership. She earned her PhD from Georgia State University in organizational development and design with a concentration in strategic planning. Today, Suzanne’s consulting and coaching practice helps nonprofit organizations and their leaders reach their full potential. Learn more at www.myfuturepositive.com.
Resource Spotlights
Workshop Spotlight
TechCred Information Session
TechCred is an application-based program provided by the State of Ohio that provides employers the opportunity to upskill their employees by earning industry-recognized credentials and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy. The good news – many of these training courses can be completed online!
ConxusNEO is hosting a series of webinars to walk you through the TechCred application, eligibility requirements, reimbursement process, and provide a general overview of the benefits of the program. A Microsoft Teams link will be shared with registrants prior to the webinar.
Host Provider: ConxusNEO
Date: Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Time: 9:00-10:00 am
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Consultant Spotlight
Suzanne Allen, PhD - Future Positive
Suzanne Allen's consulting and coaching practice Future Positive focuses on helping nonprofit organizations and their leaders reach their full potential through: executive coaching; board development; strategic planning; and facilitation.
Tool Spotlight
6Mixx
Whether you're re-building your website or planning an upcoming event, 6Mixx's tips and templates page houses several helpful interactive guides that will put you and your organization on a more successful and strategic path.
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