How do managers influence company culture?

Managers influence company culture by setting expectations, modelling desired behaviours, and reinforcing cultural norms through rewards and consequences.

Managers play a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining the culture of a company. They set the tone for the workplace environment and influence the attitudes and behaviours of their team members. This is achieved through a variety of methods, including setting clear expectations, modelling the desired behaviours, and reinforcing the cultural norms through a system of rewards and consequences.

Setting clear expectations is a crucial aspect of a manager's role. This involves communicating the company's values, mission, and goals to the team. By doing so, managers help employees understand what is expected of them and how their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This can foster a sense of purpose and belonging among employees, which are key elements of a positive company culture.

Modelling desired behaviours is another way managers influence company culture. Employees often look to their managers for cues on how to behave in the workplace. If a manager demonstrates respect, integrity, and commitment, it is likely that these behaviours will be mirrored by the team. Conversely, if a manager exhibits negative behaviours such as dishonesty or lack of respect, this can also permeate the team and negatively impact the company culture.

Finally, managers can reinforce cultural norms through a system of rewards and consequences. By recognising and rewarding behaviours that align with the company's values, managers can encourage more of such behaviours. On the other hand, addressing behaviours that go against the company's values can deter employees from repeating them. This system of rewards and consequences can help to maintain the desired company culture over time.

In conclusion, managers have a significant influence on company culture. Through setting expectations, modelling desired behaviours, and reinforcing cultural norms, they can shape the attitudes and behaviours of their team and ultimately, the overall culture of the company.