Building a Strong Organisational Culture: 21 Example Values

October 12, 2023

Organisational values are fundamental principles that guide and shape an organisation’s culture. They serve as a compass for decision-making, behaviour, and interactions within and beyond the organisation.

Organisational values are not mutually exclusive. Organisations can prioritise a combination of them to create a unique and effective culture.

Here are 21 example organisational values that can help shape organisational culture:

  1. Integrity – Upholding honesty, ethics, and moral principles in all actions and decisions. This value is crucial for building trust both internally and externally.
  2. Innovation – Encouraging creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to explore new ideas and solutions. Innovation-driven organisations often embrace change and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  3. Customer Focus – Putting the customer at the centre of the business is a fundamental belief that drives organisations to provide better products and services.
  4. Teamwork – Collaboration and cooperation are key values that foster a positive work environment and improve productivity.
  5. Diversity and Inclusivity – Embracing a diverse workforce and promoting inclusivity is an important value for organisations that want to thrive in a global, multicultural world.
  6. Sustainability – An emphasis on environmental and social responsibility is becoming increasingly important for many organisations. Sustainability values may include reducing the carbon footprint, ethical sourcing, and community engagement.
  7. Intrapreneurship – Encouraging employees to think and act like entrepreneurs within the organisation, fostering a culture of innovation and risk-taking; crucial for staying competitive in rapidly changing markets.
  8. Continuous Learning – Valuing learning and development encourages employees to enhance their skills and knowledge, contributing to the growth of the organisation.
  9. Open Communication – Encouraging transparency, open dialogue, and free expression of ideas and concerns among employees at all levels can build trust and ensure that everyone in the organisation is on the same page.
  10. Work-Life Balance – Promoting a healthy work-life balance helps prevent burnout and supports employee well-being.
  11. Safety – Prioritising the safety of employees and customers is crucial for organisations in industries with potential hazards.
  12. Teamwork and Collaboration – Promoting a sense of unity, cooperation, and synergy among employees. This value encourages effective communication and the sharing of knowledge and resources.
  13. Empowerment – Trusting employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work, leading to a culture of autonomy and self-motivation.
  14. Quality – Striving for excellence in everything the organisation does. Quality-focused organisations consistently deliver high-quality products or services and maintain rigorous standards.
  15. Sustainability – Committed to responsible environmental and social practices. Organisations with a sustainability focus aim to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute positively to society.
  16. Agility – Embracing rapid adaptation to change and market fluctuations, often associated with more flexible and dynamic organisational structures.
  17. Community Engagement – Demonstrating a commitment to the local or global community through charitable contributions, volunteerism, or other social initiatives.
  18. Learning and Development – Encouraging ongoing education and skill enhancement among employees, fostering a culture of growth and improvement.
  19. Ethical Leadership – Strong, ethical leadership is often the cornerstone of a positive organisational culture. Leaders who lead by example in living the organisation’s values can significantly influence the culture.
  20. Excellence – Striving for the highest standards of performance, setting the bar for quality, and rewarding exceptional achievement.
  21. Empathy – Encouraging understanding and empathy toward colleagues and customers, which can lead to more compassionate interactions and problem-solving.

Organisational culture is a dynamic and evolving entity. It is crucial to continuously reinforce and adapt the values to maintain a thriving and resilient culture.

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