culture audit

Organisational culture affects performance, profit and even survival. A culture audit shows whether your organisation's culture is an asset or liability, while providing evidence and direction for change.

A culture audit measures what is "normal" within an organisation - in terms of the values, behaviours and assumptions which dictate the way people approach their work.

the risk of turning a blind eye to culture

The effects of an inappropriate culture are wide-ranging and can include some, but hopefully not all, of the following:

  • low levels of customer service
  • an acceptance of poor performance
  • ineffective leaders and poorly trained staff
  • a focus on blame and/or a lack of initiative
  • difficulty adapting to change
  • loss of market share
  • damage to brand reputation
  • unethical behaviour e.g. Enroną
  • poor safety - in extreme cases, loss of life e.g. Challenger and Deepwater Horizon²

proven tools to measure culture

We use a multi-level diagnostic system for culture audits.  This integrated set of tools will help your organisation to:

  • measure and describe the current culture
  • demonstrate the impact of culture on outcomes and performance
  • visualise the ideal future culture
  • identify the most powerful levers for change
  • build a plan for culture change

an intuitive model promotes understanding

We use the Human Synergistics diagnostic system for measuring culture, which has the Circumplex at its heart. In addition to providing an intuitive model for describing culture, it promotes a common vocabulary and understanding of the behaviours which shape culture.

developing a plan for culture change

As part of a more wide-ranging change management programme, we can work with leaders, teams and the organisation to help develop an adaptive, high-performing culture.

 ¹ Enron Ethics (or Culture Matters More than Codes), Ronald R Simms and Johannes Brinkmann

² Interview with Diane Vaughan into causes of Challenger and Columbia shuttle tragedies.  Also, report into BP/Transocean oil rig disaster in Gulf of Mexico. 

what's the process?

survey

An on-line survey to measure and describe the current culture. Identify the ideal culture - the one which will best enable the organisation to achieve its objectives. Measure the factors which are driving and shaping the current culture.

analysis

Find out the reasons why the culture is as it is. Understand the implications of the current culture on performance and outcomes. Identify gaps between the current and ideal cultures.

workshop

Set cultural targets based on the gaps between the current and ideal culture. Assess readiness for change and how to maximise commitment. Identify levers for change. Prepare a high level plan for culture change.

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