Culture and workplace: Joining the dots

Abstract

What is culture? Every organisation has a culture. Whether it originates from the top, the middle or the bottom, it is there. Ordinarily, corporate culture begins with a founder. They bring a philosophy, an attitude and a way of thinking to start a business. Those hired tend to agree with their boss, otherwise they would not be hired. Henry Ford is one example, Steve Jobs is another. Corporate culture is rapidly and radically changing as technology impacts the workplace. This paper examines the differences in corporate culture, ranging from Google to Apple, from the General Services Administration to the feelings of an employee of an advertising agency who disagrees with the rush to open office. The reader can make up their own mind depending on the information presented, their own personal experiences and, perhaps, prejudices.