Analysing our Workplace Culture
Our dedication to nurturing a strong organizational culture has always been key to our success at WeAre. Recently, Hälsa performed a thorough cultural analysis of our organization using the OCAI method (Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument by Kim Cameron and Robert Quinn). The OCAI is a tool designed to help organizations understand and measure their current and desired culture. This analysis, paired with intelligent leadership surveys, audit interviews, and observations, has provided valuable insights into what makes WeAre a distinctive and attractive employer. The OCAI categorizes organizational cultures into four main types:
- Clan: Like a family, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.
- Adhocracy: Dynamic and entrepreneurial, focusing on innovation and risk-taking.
- Market: Competitive and results-oriented, emphasizing achievement.
- Hierarchy: Structured and controlled, focusing on rules and procedures.
The Clan of WeAre: A Strong, Supportive Community
The cultural analysis suggests that WeAre strongly embodies the Clan Culture. As presented in the chart below, this cultural framework places a high premium on flexibility, an inward focus, and a familial environment. Emphasizing collaboration, community, and trust, fosters a nurturing and permissive atmosphere where employees feel secure to voice their ideas and take responsibility for their work. It’s worth noting that WeAre not only encourages values such as empathy, openness, and care in theory but also actively puts them into practice. As a result, we have seen employees exhibiting elevated levels of job satisfaction and deep-rooted dedication. Most importantly, our culture prioritizes psychological safety, allowing for a perspective that regards mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than failure. This understanding underscores the supportive and empowering nature of our work environment.
Opportunities for Growth: Improving Our Culture
While our organizational culture provides a solid foundation, the analysis has also highlighted areas where we can improve and strengthen our approach. As we strive to create a positive and supportive environment, there is an opportunity to enhance our emphasis on goal setting and increase the speed of our execution. This will help us to sustain our competitive advantage while promoting a culture of innovation and adaptability.
Additionally, as we grow in size, introducing clearer structures and streamlining decision-making processes will be important. This will help us maintain the agility and responsiveness that our clients value, while also supporting a more defined path for leadership and performance.
The Path Forward: Integrating Balance and Growth
To build on our strengths while addressing these growth opportunities, WeAre is committed to evolving our organizational culture. As shown in the chart below, the ideal culture and our strategy towards achieving the result involves:
- Preserving Clan Elements: We will continue to nurture our strong sense of community, support, and employee well-being, which are integral to our identity.
- Incorporating Adhocracy Traits: We will foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and calculated risk-taking to drive creativity and growth.
- Adopting Market Characteristics: We will enhance our focus on achieving results, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a competitive edge to ensure sustained business success.
- Maintaining Hierarchical Structure: As we grow, we will introduce more clarity in roles and decision-making processes to ensure efficiency and smooth operations.
By thoughtfully integrating these elements, WeAre aims to create a culture that is not only supportive and family-like but also results-oriented and efficient—ultimately positioning us as a leader in our field.
At WeAre, we believe that a balanced organizational culture is key to unlocking our full potential. We are excited to continue this journey, building a workplace where our employees thrive, and our business excels.