Organisational culture as a driver of business success

• Main Author: Naidoo, Shamla
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Success in business; Corporate culture
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3859

D.Comm. === Organisations are becoming increasingly aware of the pervasive impact that culture has on its success. Corporate cultures exhibit certain characteristics that are collectively created through years of interaction, and which unconsciously direct the activities of its employees. Research indicates that culture plays a pivotal role in an organisation, and has the ability, either to make a positive contribution to the organisation‘s success, or to be a liability. Culture is also crucial in fundamental change efforts. In current times, social, cultural, political and technological forces constantly challenge organisations to reassess and redefine their strategies. In order to counter these challenges, the focus of many local companies has been on improving their capabilities and growing skills, as they are expected to compete and survive in a dynamic business world. One of the ways to achieve this is to obtain leverage from culture, a driving force in the organisation. To this end, this study seeks to explore the role of culture in driving business success. It is anticipated that the knowledge generated from this inquiry will afford new insights, and inform higher corporate practice. The research employed a qualitative case-study methodology. Participants of this study included a purposefully selected group of eight employees who occupied various managerial roles in the organisation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed in analysing the resultant data. The key findings highlighted the role of culture in driving the organisations past success. However, these cultural traits proved to be questionable for continued success. In order to remain competitive, the changing environment and global challenges compelled the company to redefine its strategies, and introduce innovative measures to achieve its objectives. Strategy compelled the company to move forward to adapt to the ever-increasing environmental changes, but culture posed a constraint on learning and change. Further findings are also presented, and recommendations are made for future research and business practices.