In today’s business world, there are many organizational culture models adopted by different companies. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different business goals and strategies. In this article, we will introduce to you the 8 most popular organizational culture models today.

The 4 most popular organizational culture models

Organizational culture is the way organizations shape and express their values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. There are many different types of organizational culture models, of which the 4 most common are:

Family Culture (Clan Culture)

This is the type of organizational culture in which company members consider each other as a big family, with cohesion, trust and support for each other. Employees are often passionate about their work, committed to the company’s mission and values, and willing to share knowledge and experience.

Leaders often have a role of sponsor, mentor, or coach, rather than just giving orders or supervising. The general goal of this type of culture is to create a friendly, harmonious working environment and encourage personal development.

Google is known as a typical example of family culture, one of the best places to work in the world, with many compensation and benefits policies for employees. Google also creates a comfortable, fun and friendly working atmosphere, where employees can freely create and learn. Google also attaches great importance to developing employees’ skills and abilities, through training, coaching and promotion programs.

Creative Culture (Adhocracy Culture)

This is the type of organizational culture where company members value innovation, experimentation, and taking on new challenges. Employees often have an adventurous spirit, proactive and flexible, ready to change and adapt to opportunities and risks.

Leaders often have a role of initiator, guide or inspirer, rather than just supervision or control. The general goal of this type of culture is to create new, groundbreaking and valuable products, services or solutions.

A typical example of creative culture is Apple Inc. Apple is known as one of the leading companies in technology, with many revolutionary and groundbreaking products and services. Apple also has a far-reaching and ambitious vision, always looking for new solutions to old problems. Apple also attracts many talented people, thanks to the inspiration and leadership of giants like Steve Jobs or Tim Cook.

Market Culture

Market culture is a type of organizational culture in which all activities and decisions are based on meeting customer needs and competing with competitors. Market culture is often expressed through values such as innovation, flexibility, focus on results and extroversion.

Organizations with a market culture are often able to adapt quickly to the market and create products and services that bring value to customers. However, market culture can also cause pressures and conflicts within the organization, especially when there are changes in the business environment.

Hierarchy Culture

This is a closed and process-focused organizational culture model. In this model, business members are considered a hierarchy, with clear superiors and subordinates. Organizations with a hierarchical culture often focus on maintaining stability, efficiency, and consistency in operations.

People working in these organizations often follow the instructions of their superiors, respect differences between ranks, and value expertise and experience. A hierarchical culture may be appropriate for large, multi-departmental organizations that must adhere to strict standards and regulations.

Some other organizational culture models

In addition to the four popular organizational culture models mentioned above, there are a number of other business models that are also applied by many organizations, specifically as follows:

Learning organizational culture

This is an organizational culture model in which learning and innovation are the focus. Organizational members are always willing to test new ideas, share knowledge and experience, and adapt to changes in the business environment. Some examples of organizations with a learning culture are Google, Apple, Amazon, etc.

Enjoyment organizational culture

This is an organizational culture model in which creating joy and comfort for employees is a top priority. Organization members are encouraged to work on their interests and passions, as well as enjoy the benefits and entertainment provided by the company. Some examples of organizations with a consumer culture are Netflix, Zappos, Southwest Airlines, etc.

Safety organizational culture

This is an organizational culture model in which ensuring the safety and health of employees and customers is most important. Organization members must strictly comply with labor safety regulations and standards, as well as prevent and handle potential risks. Some examples of organizations with a safety culture are Boeing, ExxonMobil, Toyota, etc.

Order organizational culture

This is an organizational culture model in which maintaining order and discipline is essential. Organization members must follow the rules and procedures set forth by leadership, as well as complete work according to the planned schedule and time. Some examples of organizations with orderly cultures are McDonald’s, Walmart, UPS, etc.

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There are many models of organizational culture, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the goals, strategies and industry of each organization, one organizational culture model may be more or less suitable than another. Therefore, building and maintaining a suitable organizational culture is a key factor to create difference and success for an organization.