Corporate culture is a difficult thing to define. Whilst it is easy to spot an unhealthy corporate culture, it is much harder to identify one that is healthy.
I am not often found exploring the Financial Reporting Council's website, but it has just published a fascinating report that explores every aspect of corporate culture.
The report can be downloaded free of charge via the following link: https://www.frc.org.uk/News-and-Events/FRC-Press/Press/2016/July/Corporate-culture-key-to-sustainable-growth.aspx
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it focuses on the role of a company's leadership and board in creating and maintaining a healthy corporate culture, and the value that can bring.
But corporate culture does not just rest with senior management. It is established by the acts of us all - much in the same way as a company's brand.
Communications professionals play a vital role in helping a company and its management articulate that culture.
The challenge, however, for professional communicators is how to respond and challenge those that have a toxic influence on culture.
Whilst outside of the FRC's remit, that would be worthy of further research.
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) publishes the results of a study, exploring the relationship between corporate culture and long-term business success in the UK. Stakeholders and society have a vested interest in healthy corporate values, attitudes and behaviours that lead to sustainable growth and long term economic success. The report interviews more than 250 chairmen, CEOs and leading industry experts from the UK’s largest companies. The report explores the importance of culture to long-term value and how corporate cultures are being defined, embedded and monitored. Sir Winfried Bischoff, FRC Chairman, said: “A healthy corporate culture leads to long-term success by both protecting and generating value in the UK economy. It is therefore important to have a consistent and constant focus on culture, rather than wait for a crisis. A strong culture will endure in times of stress and change."
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