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Company culture can be a huge factor in your workplace's happiness. When working in an environment that feels supportive and comradely, staying motivated and engaged is easy. That's why it's essential to understand the different types of company culture to find the right one for you. This blog discusses the different types of company culture and how they can affect your work environment. Knowing the kinds of culture, you can make an informed decision about where to work next.

What is organizational culture? 

At work, we all go through highs and lows. Sometimes the work we're assigned is challenging and exciting, while other times, it's pretty tedious and mundane. But no matter the situation, it's essential to have a positive work environment that supports our individual goals and allows us to be productive. That's where organizational culture comes in - It's how employees think and behave within a company. 

There are five types of company cultures, each with its benefits and drawbacks. If you need to figure out which kind of culture you inhabit, take a quick quiz to find out! Once you know, you can start to thrive in any workplace by understanding your company's culture and working within its parameters. 

Three core types of organizational culture 

Regarding company culture, various types can be either good or bad. Here are four of the most common types and what they entail: 

1. Autocratic culture is characterized by a strong leader who dictates everything. This culture is often wrong because it is difficult to challenge or change the rules, and employees are often afraid to speak up. 

2. Traditional culture is typified by a hierarchical structure where employees are expected to follow traditional norms and values. This type of culture can be good/wrong, depending on how well it is implemented. Generally, traditional cultures are more stable but can be restrictive and difficult to change. 

3. Progressive culture emphasizes change and encourages employee initiative. This type of culture is often seen as good because it allows creativity and new ideas to flourish. However, it can also be challenging to implement, requiring employees to be open-minded and willing to experiment. 

Adhocracy culture 

Adhocracy is the most democratic type of culture and provides employees with a length of freedom to pursue their projects. This can lead to chaos but allows for creativity and change. When there is high turnover in the workforce, an adhocracy culture is prone to stress and conflict, as decisions must be made quickly. However, despite these challenges, adhocracies are often successful because they allow individuals to work autonomously while sharing common goals. 

Clan culture 

Clan culture is an organizational culture that places importance on hierarchies and autocracies. It often results in people being ranked according to their position in the company, with decisions made without employee input. In clan-oriented cultures, employees are typically not encouraged to share their ideas or engage with each other; this makes it difficult for them to develop trust and teamwork skills. On the contrary, participative cultures foster engagement among employees as they're all treated fairly and respectfully. Consequently, clan culture can lead to inefficient work processes where people must collaborate more or trust one another closely. 

Hierarchy culture 

Hierarchy culture is the most common type of culture in the world. It relies on a clear hierarchy, where people are placed at different levels based on their abilities and duties. In consensus-driven culture, decisions are made through a majority vote, and everyone must agree. However, this type of culture can be harmful as it leads to groupthink - where people rely on their relationships rather than logic or facts. Social Darwinism is the last type of culture that we will discuss here. This is where the fittest survive, and those who are not fit are eliminated from the group. Such a brutal ideology does not bode well for social cohesion as it creates division among people instead of collaboration.

Other types of organizational culture 

There are different types of company culture, and it's crucial to know what type you're working in. These cultures can be positive or negative, but they all have benefits. For example, a structured culture that relies on communication between team members will be beneficial in terms of efficiency. On the other hand, a culture based on freedom and creativity can be more fun and productive. Before joining a new company, it's essential to research the culture, so you don't feel like an outsider. Some common aspects of different company cultures include structure, communication styles, and expectations. Once you know what to expect, adapting and thriving in your new environment will be much easier. 

Conclusion

So, what is company culture? At its core, company culture is a company's employees' collective values and beliefs. It is the glue that binds employees together and helps them work productively together. To create a positive company culture, it is essential to understand the different types of cultures and their effects on employees. This blog has outlined five types of company culture and provided examples of each. This will help you understand what you are looking for when interviewing potential new employees and help you create a perfect culture. 

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