10 Factors around which cultures differ:

John McMahon Forum 21

Individual initiative - the degree of responsibility, freedom and independence individuals have. (It may be desirable to restrict individual initiative)

Risk tolerance - the degree to which employees are encouraged to be pro-active, innovative and risk taking.

Direction - The degree to which the organisation creates clear objectives and performance expectations.(About clarity of vision and purpose)

Integration- the degree to which units within the organisation are encouraged to operate in a co-ordinated manner. (Silos)

Management contact - the degree to which managers provide clear communications, assistance and support to employees. (The manager as mentor, coach and order giver - needs a blend)

Control - the degree to which rules and regulations and the amount of direct supervision used to oversee employee behaviour.

Identity - the degree to which members identify with the organisation as a whole rather than their particular group.

Conflict tolerance - the degree to which employees are encouraged to air conflicts and criticisms openly. (Constructivepoints for the benefit of the organisation).  If not supported internally can be ‘dumped’ externally.

Communication patterns - the degree to which organisational communications are restricted to the formal line hierarchy of command.

Reward system - the degree to which reward allocations are based on employee performance criteria. (Aboutvisibility of performance - good and bad)