The importance of aligning culture and values
- Abigail Clayton
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Values are important, both to individuals and organisations. I’ve seen it many times – when an individual’s values and purpose align to that of an organisation they can flourish, aspire and achieve. Where there is not such alignment, it can cause disruption, distraction and dissatisfaction.
Culture and values are clearly linked. In an organisation, values are the core principles that guide actions and decisions, while culture is the shared beliefs, behaviours, and norms that shape how people interact and work together; values are the foundation upon which culture is built.
Since COVID and the increase in remote working we have seen a growing focus for a number of our clients on ensuring the fit between individuals and organisational culture. This drive has come from both applicants and the recruiting organisations, and is evident across a wide range of role levels from fresh graduates to senior executives.
The Bright Network’s research last year continues to show that a company’s people and culture is the most important thing for graduates when choosing a role:
Similarly recent Kornferry research showed that:
91% of executives agree that improving corporate culture would increase their organisation’s value
Organisational culture is clearly important, it helps talent attraction, retention and employee satisfaction; positive team culture has the potential to boost employees’ mental health and help foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. Culture fit is an important factor to consider as no matter how capable or hard working an individual, if their values do not match that of the organisation, they are unlikely to perform.
Here at GFB we have seen a considerable increase in the interest of assessing and having open conversations with candidates about values and organisational fit. One of the main ways of framing this information is to identify individual drivers and the cultures in which individuals will thrive – we have been predominantly using Hogan Motives, Values, & Preferences Questionnaire (MVPI):
The MVPI is designed to evaluate the fit between an individual and the organisational culture. It can be used to directly assess an individual’s key drivers and motivation, and can be used to ensure that the individual will be suited to the nature of a role and organisation.
Individual values and goals have a considerable impact on our careers and the cultures in which we will thrive. They can impact success in 4 main ways:
Drivers: Values represent our individual key drivers—the things in life that personally motivate us. They determine our aspirations and symbolise what we strive for and hope to attain. Our values define what we desire in our work and life.
Fit: Our values determine how well we will fit with an organisation and its culture. Organisational cultures typically reflect the values of senior management. People are happy and productive in cultures that are consistent with their values, and they are distressed and unhappy working in cultures defined by values that differ from their own.
Leadership Style and Culture: Our values reflect what we find rewarding and pay attention to or what we dislike and avoid. Consequently, our values shape the kind of culture that leaders create for their teams and organisations.
Unconscious Biases: Values influence the decisions we make—about people, projects, plans, and strategy. Values filter perceptions of experience, especially about what is desirable or undesirable, good or bad. Values typically operate outside conscious awareness and bias, both thought and action.
The MVPI assesses ten scales which were developed around five themes: lifestyles, beliefs, occupational preferences, aversions and preferred associates.
The team at GFB regularly use the MVPI alongside other psychometric tools to help assess and develop senior leaders.
Organisational culture can be key to building adaptability and resilience, enabling teams to manage external threats and economic uncertainty and goodness knows we need that in the current climate. Finding individuals that thrive in your culture and align to your values can be key to organisational success and individual satisfaction and success.
If you are interested in finding out more about how GFB can help get in touch. We love helping individuals thrive. info@gfbgroup.com
Further reading and references
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