Culture confusion

AJIT enters the premises of his new organisation, a bundle of nerves and excitement. He walks into the main work area as directed. The atmosphere there intimidates him, everyone seems to be absorbed in his or her work and look professional. Notwithstanding the intimidating atmosphere, he makes a friendly overture but receives a curt response. A common predicament for most new entrants.

Fitting-in with the work culture is an important aspect of gaining acceptance in an organisation. Apart from job satisfaction, it is the over-all impact of working for an employee-friendly organisation that adds to the zing of reporting to work everyday. A quick run-through the following suggestions might help you tackle the culture vibes better.

The uninitiated

When you begin working with an organisation, be cautious on how you approach the senior members of the organisation. Adopt a friendly and approachable demeanour, to break the ice. A best bet would be to begin with your own department. Breaks are a good time to observe the dynamics of group interaction. Avoid attempting to get a quick low-down on everyone and everything in the organisation. If you are a shy and introverted person, you could try befriending a vivacious person in your team who could introduce you to the rest of the team.

The adept inexpert

If it's your first job, the excitement of working for a new organisation might just get the better of you. An over enthusiastic attitude to familiarise yourself with everything and everyone may ruffle quite a few conservative feathers. Be very attentive and observant for the first few days and study the prevalent work culture, whether it is a formal or an informal atmosphere, or a mix of both, and adopt a suitable approach accordingly.

The gate crasher

The toughest act is to break or seek admission into groups or cliques. For some, the peer pressure can be an incredible burden to bear. If you are enterprising enough, you could introduce yourself and asked to be included in the group. Usually, new entrants find themselves a safe pattern of work or behaviour to fit-in. Yet, it is especially hard when you are surrounded with an organisational culture where clannish behaviour is predominant. Try to know your colleagues on an individual level. This will not only help ease the pressure to fit-in but also ensure that you get to know your co-workers better.

A snoopy saga

Don't ignore the nuances in conversations. Often the type of conversation among groups and cliques can give you a fair idea of the kind of people you would be working with. The best way to learn is to ask questions. Many a disastrous faux pas can be avoided if you only were to ask the right questions to clear your doubts at the right time. Instead, present your questions as a request for advice. This will certainly help you find your way through the corporate maze.

The Rubik's cube

If the work culture in an organisation foxes you, simplify the process by trying to analyse it. Tabulate your experiences based on certain criteria. Attempt to pen down notes on the prevailing work culture, list examples of memorable incidents and people in the organisation who are admired and looked-up to. These are behavioural patterns that have already been tried and tested. This will aid you in understanding whether the organisation is progressive, and lets you learn and take risks; or if it is a study in paradox, and encourages learning but does not approve of risk taking. Even worse, if it just treats you as another hired hand!

To stay or not to stay!

For those who have no other alternative than the present job, the best tactic is to grin and bear it. Let your work and your expertise speak for you. Avoid compromising on honesty and ethical considerations just to fit-in with an imponderable lot.

The organisational culture of any company is an all-encompassing feature. It exerts the greatest influence on the way an organisation is viewed, and on how an employee conducts himself. An organisational culture forms over a period of time, and generally attracts those who fit-in with it. So there is no use attempting to change it. The ideal organisational culture is one which provides you with parameters on which to base a decision, to work or not to work!

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@careercommunity.co.in