Corporate culture in Interim Management

Not only since the well-known statement by Peter Drucker "Culture eats strategy for breakfast" we know about the influence of corporate culture on a company's success.

Corporate culture refers to the values, norms, beliefs, behaviours and practices that shape a company and determine how employees interact with each other and with customers. Corporate culture can have a strong impact on the performance, motivation and well-being of employees and thus directly influence the success of the organisation.

A positive corporate culture can lead to a high level of employee engagement. Employees who identify with the company's values and mission are more likely to be committed to the organisation, go above and beyond their job and propose innovative ideas. A strong corporate culture can also help to differentiate the organisation from others and create a competitive advantage.

However, a positive corporate culture cannot be forced. It is created through shared values and practices that are lived and shared by all employees. A good corporate culture should encourage open communication and collaboration, build trust and respect between employees and managers and emphasise the importance of a balanced way of working and living.

Companies should consciously shape and regularly review their corporate culture to ensure that it continues to meet the needs and values of the organisation and its employees. A regular review of the corporate culture can also help to recognise and address problems or potential conflicts at an early stage.

A negative corporate culture can lead to low engagement, low motivation and high employee turnover. A culture of fear, in which employees are afraid to make mistakes or express their opinions, can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation and cause the company to stagnate.

As Interim Manager you have the privilege of getting to know new companies every 6-9 months and seeing the corporate culture from the outside.

Personally, for example, I always pay attention to how visitors are received on my first visit.
Are there sweets or a fruit basket at reception, is there a "Welcome" sign, what words does the receptionist use to welcome you, etc.?

In the offices, I pay attention to whether the names of the employees are written on them, whether the employees tend to work in shared offices or individual offices, and much more.

For me, these are all non-judgemental indications of the corporate culture, which will be further consolidated in the course of the assignment.