Organisational culture is the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that define how things get done within a company. The way a company operates can have a significant impact on its success, and leadership plays a critical role in shaping organisational culture. In this blog, we'll explore how leadership influences organisational culture and why it's essential for South African businesses that value higher education training to understand this relationship.
Setting the Tone for the Organisation
Leadership sets the tone for the organisation. The values, behaviours, and attitudes demonstrated by leaders create the standard for how employees should behave. Leaders who exhibit positive qualities such as integrity, accountability, and transparency set the expectation for employees to do the same. Leaders who are not aligned with the desired culture can create confusion and undermine the efforts to create a positive culture.
Driving Behaviour Through Communication
Effective communication is essential to shaping organisational culture. Leaders who communicate regularly and clearly help employees understand what is expected of them and why it is important. They help build trust, establish a sense of belonging, and create a positive work environment. In contrast, leaders who communicate poorly can create confusion and misunderstanding that can damage the culture and the organisation as a whole.
Demonstrating the Right Behaviours
Leadership behaviour is one of the most significant influences on organisational culture. Leaders who demonstrate the desired behaviours set the standard for what is acceptable in the organisation. If the leaders do not follow the same values or behaviours they promote, they will undermine the efforts to shape the desired culture.
Creating a Sense of Belonging
Leadership plays a critical role in creating a sense of belonging within the organisation. Leaders who foster a positive work environment, provide clear communication, and demonstrate respect and inclusivity help employees feel valued and included. A sense of belonging can help foster motivation and productivity and build a more cohesive and effective team.
Leadership has a significant impact on organisational culture, and it is crucial for South African businesses that value higher education training to understand this relationship. Leaders set the tone, drive behaviour through communication, demonstrate the right behaviours, and create a sense of belonging. By investing in leadership development, businesses can create a positive culture that supports their values and goals, and ultimately contributes to their success. At DaVinci Business School, we offer a range of leadership development programmes that can help businesses develop effective leaders and shape the desired culture. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organisation.