Cultural norms exist in every workplace, whether consciously articulated or not. These norms could be related to work hours, dress code, hierarchy, communication style, or other working conditions. These norms shape employees’ behaviors, attitudes, and ultimately, their performance. In this article, we explore the ways in which cultural norms affect employee performance and the role managers can play in shaping these norms.
Norms that promote collaboration and teamwork tend to positively impact employee performance. When employees feel that they are part of a cohesive team, they are more likely to share information, help one another, and leverage their collective knowledge and skills to solve problems. Conversely, norms that encourage competition or individualism can lead to unhealthy rivalries, siloed work, and a lack of innovation.
A workplace culture that values open communication, feedback, and constructive criticism is also crucial for high-performance teams. When employees feel safe to speak up, voice their opinions, and share feedback, they are more likely to learn from their colleagues and improve their own performance. On the other hand, a culture that discourages feedback or punishes those who speak up can lead to passive-aggressiveness, a lack of trust, and poor performance.
Cultural norms also affect diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which has been shown to improve company performance. A workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences fosters creativity and innovation, while reducing instances of groupthink. However, a workplace culture that is insensitive to diversity can lead to exclusion, discomfort, and poor performance among those who feel marginalized.
Managers play a crucial role in shaping workplace cultures that positively impact employee performance. They can model desirable behaviors, communicate cultural expectations, and hold employees accountable when they stray from norms. Additionally, managers can create opportunities for employees to provide feedback and input into the culture, which fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among employees.
In conclusion, cultural norms in the workplace can have a profound impact on employee performance. Cultures that promote collaboration, communication, and diversity tend to positively impact employees, while cultures that encourage competition, discourage feedback, or are insensitive to diversity can lead to poor performance. Managers have a critical role to play in shaping, modeling, and reinforcing positive cultural norms that support high-performance teams.
