Diversity, Equity & Inclusion For Dummies

Chapter 6

Assessing Your Organization’s Culture

IN THIS CHAPTER

Defining culture (and why you should evaluate yours)

Looking at common practices and criteria for culture assessment

Reviewing your company’s processes, strategies, and policies through documentation

Surveying employees at all levels about company culture

The topic of company culture has been active in some organizations for decades, but it’s now a global issue as more institutions are addressing organizational health. Company culture can make or break your brand and reputation among customers and top talent. It can impact employee productivity, engagement, creativity, and retention, and it can affect bottom-line profits and company success. At the very least, employees are demanding workplaces that are more inclusive, welcoming, and respectful; that create a sense of belonging; and that are free from harassment.

For some companies with legacy cultures (those that have passed down traits, practices, and stories from generation to generation) and others that have existed for more than a century, this change to the management ...