Work Culture — Who sets the tone?

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Just as individuals have distinct personalities,
so do organizations. Each organization has its
unique work culture. Who sets the tone for the
work culture is crucial as it impacts the
organizations ability to attract, engage, retain
top talent and its potential to thrive.
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• Google has set the benchmark for the most
  enviable work culture of success and employee
  happiness. Organizations that attempt to copy
  Googles secret sauce often land up mimicking its
  infrastructure and benefits but are unable to
  capture its DNA its unique work culture.
  Googles work culture reflects the values it
  upholds the policies, practices, and
  communication the beliefs, behaviors and
  attitudes of its employees through all levels
  from the CEO to the entry-level position.
• The Tata name has become synonymous with
  integrity. Just like how the Pikes Place Fish
  Market is akin to fun at work. Their positive
  work culture describes them. Whether it is
  Google, the Tatas or the Pikes Place Fish
  Market, people throng to work at such
  organizations. Mainly because the leaders of
  these organizations have built a great work
  culture that people want to be part of.

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• The power of a companys work culture is so high
  that it pulls everyone into its fold. For
  instance, McKinsey is staffed with those who have
  excellent pedigrees. McKinsey employees normally
  are impeccably dressed and they clearly mean
  business. This work culture subtly influences the
  behavior of new joiners to dress immaculately, to
  talk and behave in a similar manner in order to
  blend in and grow.
• Consider Hootsuite, which is known for its
  innovative work culture. Their recent
  company-wide initiative was randomcoffee,
  which enabled employees to meet those outside
  their departments over coffee in a blind-date
  style. Such initiatives are bound to make
  Hootsuite employees realize that trying out new
  ideas is encouraged within the company. They are
  likely to be creative and innovate in such a work
  culture.

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• Unfortunately, a companys work culture when
  toxic, spreads equally fast. When employees
  belong to an environment where they see others
  break rules and get away with it, they do so too.
• The leaders, managers and decision makers at Uber
  tolerated sexism and harassment. This spread a
  toxic work culture. Thanks to Susan Fowlers blog
  post, Ubers work culture came to the attention
  of the world and several changes were implemented
  in the company beginning with the crucial change
  of leadership.
• There are other companies like Uber where
  employees watch their bosses and copy their
  behavior. When bosses comment on the good looks
  of a new hire, those watching think it is fine to
  do so as well.

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• Not only new recruits, but existing employees
  also are influenced by what they see around them.
  When they overhear colleagues using sexual
  undertones in conversations, they get the message
  that unprofessional conduct is accepted in the
  workplace. Similarly, when bosses swear in front
  of team members, employees imitate such behavior
  when their turn comes.
• As we know, actions speak louder than words.
  Employees take cues from each other, from the
  actions and decisions of their leaders, from the
  processes, practices, and communication within
  the company. They absorb it and toe the line,
  eventually promoting the organizations work
  culture.
• Leaders, employees, policies, processes,
  communication, and several other variables create
  a companys work culture. Although employees at
  all levels promote it and are equally responsible
  for it, the tone of the work culture is set by
  the organizations leaders and its decision
  makers.

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• Which is why organizations where leaders allow
  harassment to exist, will see harassment thrive.
  Organizations, where leaders accept mediocre
  work, will see mediocrity flourish.
  Organizations, where leaders focus on innovation
  and integrity, see those aspects increase.
  Leaders and decision makers have the power to
  instill confidence in their teams by behaving the
  right way and setting the tone for the culture of
  their organization.
• Setting the tone for an great work culture is a
  long process. Leaders and decision-makers are in
  the position to inspire employees to speak the
  common language of work culture. Rigorously
  guarding the work culture of the company involves
  significant effort. The sustained focus and
  effort of leaders and decision makers is
  essential. Else as Uber has shown, in a matter of
  a few minutes a companys culture can be
  destroyed for the entire world to witness.

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• An organizations work culture directly impacts
  its ability to attract, engage and retain top
  talent. A productive, creative and engaged
  workforce can lead an organization to thrive even
  in a turbulent marketplace. It is the leaders and
  the decision makers who can ensure that the
  organization reaps these dividends by setting the
  tone of the work culture.