Values and corporate culture

‘Just think how significant it is to agree on what is important in our operation, how we behave towards one another, how we carry out tasks – and on right and wrong, and the moral and ethical standards that must be complied with. Having clear ground rules and attitudes gives everyone the opportunity to take a properly thought-through decision on issues for which the answers are not obvious. A clear set of values shapes our whole corporate culture and acts as a root system for the entire operation.’ 

A well-defined corporate culture is a source of strategic strength. It is based on – and emphasises – the organization’s non-negotiable fundamental values. The challenge is in finding a balance between creating a group-wide corporate culture and maintaining local flexibility. 

The organization’s corporate culture is the base determining how leadership, commercial sense, work processes and collaboration function – not just how it is defined in words, but how it is reflected in action. Attitudes and values govern our way of thinking and acting, and give us the internal ethical compass essential to good work. 

Clear goals and values create a constructive culture which supports the operation and projects a positive image to the market and to customers. 

Successful organizations strive to be multicultural, with the widest possible diversity of ethnicity, gender, backgrounds etc. Having the most diverse staff possible has never been more important. 

For more information on culture, see our book Livskraftigt ledarskap/Vigorous Leadership, and, in particular, the chapter Kultur – världens affär (Culture – a world of business opportunites). 

Read more about our Impact model working method here.