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From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Stakeholders in academics and corporate world, yesterday, identified organisational culture as the heartbeat of any establishment, as it enhances results. They, therefore, charged individuals in different sectors to work assiduously to make impacts that would enhance the development of their organisations.
The stakeholders, drawn from different organisations, spoke at a seminar organised by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Delivering his paper entitled, “The heart of success: How organisational culture and behaviour drive organisational effectiveness,” Dr Emmanuel Imafidon, senior fellow at the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, said organisational culture is central to success because it shapes employee behaviour, drives effectiveness, increases performance and productivity, enhances collaboration and communication and fosters innovation and agility.
“Organisational culture matters because it can be a powerful source of competitive advantage. It galvanises a distinct identity, setting the organisation apart from competition.
“Building organisational culture requires deliberate efforts and intentionality from leaders, who act as cultural architects by setting precedents with their actions and decisions,” he stated.
He listed core practices for fostering a culture that drives effectiveness to include among others, core values, leadership and communication, hiring and onboarding for cultural fit and institutionalising organisational culture through symbols, performance management and programmes.
Speaking, the Director-General of NISER, Prof. Antonia Simbine, said: “The seminar is not just another policy engagement; it represents an important reflection on the ways that organisational culture and behaviour shape effectiveness, whether in public institutions, private enterprises or civil society organisations.
The Director General said: “It is a timely discussion as Nigerians in both private and public spaces struggle to build systems and institutions that not only achieve objectives, but do so sustainably and ethically.”
The seminar, chaired by Folunso Phillips, Founder, Phillips Group, agreed that by fostering a culture aligned with vision, strategies and goals, organisations build a foundation for long-term resilience, agility and success.
Panellists at the seminar, including Omotola Oshinowo, Head, New Business Development, Amperstand Global Investment, Chizoba Mojekwu, Lead Consultant, Deftadroit Consulting and Prof. Oka Obono of the department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, called for organisational culture for effective productivity.
