Corporate culture

This session explores corporate culture, a concept central to how organizations function and succeed both in the United Kingdom and internationally. At its core, corporate culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, norms and behaviors that characterize an organization. It shapes how people behave and what they prioritize when no one is watching. This includes attitudes, routines, and public statements. Culture is the unspoken code shaping interactions, guiding decisions, and influencing how employees feel about their work and each other. Corporate culture varies widely between countries, industries, and even departments. In organizations like the Ritz Carlton or Disney, leadership deliberately shapes culture as a competitive advantage, reinforcing values and service standards through language, rituals, and recognition. Others develop culture organically, shaped by unique interactions and personalities. Edgar Schein describes culture as visible artifacts, stated values, and deep assumptions. Despite top down efforts, culture is co created as employees bring their own expectations, and subcultures may reinterpret messages. As workplaces evolve with technology or hybrid models, culture must also adapt. A strong, healthy corporate culture sets organizations apart, fueling performance, attracting talent, and boosting customer loyalty. For example, three M's innovative culture encourages employees to pursue creative projects, driving product development and supply chain transformation.