Culture.com

About the Authors

Peg Neuhauser has over 18 years of experience as a speaker and organizational consultant. Her expertise lies in organizational culture, communication, and conflict management. Neuhauser’s work involves helping companies navigate the complexities of cultural integration, especially in times of significant change such as mergers and acquisitions.

Ray Bender is a renowned speaker and consultant who focuses on alliances, leadership, and organizational change. Bender's insights into the dynamics of corporate relationships and his strategic approach to leadership have been instrumental in guiding businesses through transformative periods.

Kirk Stromberg specializes in organizational and individual change. His consultancy work addresses the intricate processes of personal and corporate transformation, making him a key figure in helping organizations adapt to new business environments.

Main Idea

The book "Culture.com: Building Corporate Culture in the Connected Workplace" by Peg Neuhauser, Ray Bender, and Kirk Stromberg delves into the pivotal role of corporate culture in the rapidly evolving e-business landscape. It offers a comprehensive guide for organizations transitioning to or already operating within the digital economy. The authors emphasize that a company's culture—defined as "the way we do things around here"—can significantly impact its success. The book provides strategies for aligning corporate culture with business goals, fostering an environment conducive to rapid decision-making, risk-taking, and knowledge sharing, all essential in the .com world.

Table of Contents

1. Your Corporate Culture in a Clicks-and-Mortar World
2. Making the Jump to Warp Speed
3. Building a Corporate Culture in a Virtual Organization
4. Living with Parallel Cultures During the Transition to E-Business
5. A New Breed of Teams in a .Com Culture
6. Communication Belongs to Everyone in a .Com Culture
7. Knowledge Management is Managing People's Brain Power
8. The New Corporate IQ and Getting Smarter
9. The Cultural Challenge of Mergers and Acquisitions
10. Ten Final Tips on Building a Corporate Culture for the Connected Workplace

Your Corporate Culture in a Clicks-and-Mortar World

In today's digital age, businesses are experiencing a seismic shift comparable to the Industrial Revolution. Companies must adapt not just their operational strategies but also their corporate cultures to thrive in the new economy. Corporate culture, often described as "the way we do things around here," is a crucial determinant of a company's success. If there is a misalignment between the company's strategy and its culture, the latter will invariably prevail.

To effectively change corporate culture, it is essential to understand its three layers:

• Core Values: These are the fundamental beliefs and assumptions shared by the organization. Examples include commitments to customer satisfaction, individual initiative, and integrity.
• Behaviors and Habits: These are the norms and practices that reflect the core values, ranging from formal policies to informal social behaviors.
• Symbols and Language: The most visible elements of culture, including logos, dress codes, and office layouts, which collectively create the company's "look."

Changing corporate culture requires careful consideration of which elements to keep and which to alter. For instance, while core values may remain stable, behaviors, symbols, and language should be adapted to meet the demands of the e-business world.

"Corporate culture can make or break your strategy. If your company strategy does not match your corporate culture, the culture will win every time." – Peg Neuhauser