A workplace is an environment where individuals from different backgrounds come together on a common platform to achieve a predefined goal. Every workplace has principles and policies mandatory for employees. The beliefs, ideologies, and practices of a workplace form its culture which gives a sense of direction to the employees. Workplace culture goes a long way in creating the brand image of the organization and makes it distinct from other organizations (Odedokun, 2017).
Employees are the time assets of the workplace. They are the ones who contribute effectively towards the successful functioning of an organization. They strive to deliver their level best and achieve the assigned targets within the stipulated time frame.
Employees play an important role in deciding the culture of the workplace. The behavior, attitude, and interests of employees at the workplace form the culture. The processes and assumptions of the members of an organization contribute to its culture. A motivated and satisfied employee would promote a healthy culture at the workplace as compared to an unmotivated employee (Adekeye & Ajayi, 2020).
Importance of Workplace Culture
The culture of the workplace controls the way employees behave within the organization as well as with people outside the organization. Every organization has a unique modus operandi that shapes its culture. Hence, the importance of workplace culture cannot be overemphasized (Ajayi & Kayode, 2020).
Workplace culture determines how employees relate to one another at the workplace. A good culture encourages employees to stay motivated and loyal towards the management. The culture of the workplace also promotes healthy competition at the workplace. Employees try their best to earn recognition, promotion, and appreciation from their superiors. It is the culture of the workplace that actually motivates the employees to perform the task assigned to them. Workplace culture unites all employees who are otherwise from different backgrounds, families and have varied attitudes and mentalities. The culture gives them a sense of purpose at the workplace.
The workplace culture promotes healthy relationships among employees as no one treats work as a burden. A good workplace culture makes employees understand their roles and responsibilities in the organization and how to go about the tasks ahead of the timelines. Bad workplace culture is dangerous and engenders workplace deviant behavior. It is therefore incumbent on managers and leaders in every organization to develop a good workplace culture
References
Adekeye, D.S. and Ajayi, O.A. (2020). Workplace Deviant Behaviour and Standard of Health Care Delivery in Nigerian Public Hospitals. Revista Universitară de Sociologie Year XVI, 1: 24 – 37. http://www.sociologiecraiova.ro/revista/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/00.-FULL-VERSION-24-37.pdf
Ajayi, O.A and Kayode, O.E. (2020). Workplace Deviant Behavior in Nigerian Universities and Sustainable Development: A Cross Sectional Study of Selected Universities. In Oshin, O; Sogunro, B; Joseph, I; Aluko, O (eds.) Festschrift in Honour of Rt. Rev. Prof Dapo Asaju; Reinvigorating Nigerian Universities for Sustainable Development; 203 -214.
Odedokun, A. (2017) Work and Culture Interaction in an Organizational Context. Journal of Health and Social Issues 6 (1) 57- 66.
Dr. Ajayi is a Lecturer I at the School of Art, Management and Social Science, Skyline University Nigeria. He is a Sociologist, Professional Educator, Author and Socio-Political Analyst. He bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in Sociology at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria