Starting a new job is exciting but can also be scary. Learning how to fit into the new corporate culture can help ease the transition.
You’ve landed a new job, congratulations! How exciting! Before your first day on the job, prepare yourself for the new environment. Corporate culture can be hard to define but here are a few definitions:
- The basic assumptions and beliefs held by employees about the enterprise they work for.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland - Business 1000 Glossary Page 110
- Corporate culture refers to a company's values, beliefs, business principles, traditions, ways of operating, and internal work environment.
- University of Alabama - Strategic Managment Glossary
- Organizational culture comprises the attitudes, values, beliefs, norms and customs of an organization. Whereas organizational structure is relatively easy to draw and describe, organizational culture is less tangible and difficult to measure.
So how then do you determine what the corporate culture is that you are now a part of? Breaking it down into the components:
Company Values
These are usually posted on the company’s web site under “about us” or “careers” or they may have a separate section dedicated to the corporate values. Once you’ve read them, ask yourself – how can I demonstrate these values in my first month on the job?
Company Customs
Customs are something you need to have an ear open for during your orientation. Remember that customs change with each organization and although you may not be used to the new way of celebrating birthdays (for example), go along with the new custom and focus more on the positives and less on the differences – demonstrate that you are flexible and adaptable. Most companies have a policy and procedures manual (also known as an Operations Manual) that will give you a clear idea of some customs around things like breaks, holiday booking, smoking areas, etc.
Other Clues to Corporate Culture
- How employees dress – is it business casual or formal? Do different levels of employees dress differently or is the CEO in jeans (if all levels dress the same, expect a matrix i.e. a culture that abhors hierarchy)?
- Hours of work – does the office empty out at 4 pm or is it still lively at 6 pm?
- Holiday practices – have your employee peers taken holidays this or banked many days? What about your supervisor?
- Lunch – do people go out for lunch in groups? Is the lunchroom a beehive of activity or just a place with a fridge?
- Social events – are they pub nights with open bars or subdued wine and cheese affairs in the board room?
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