September 2016

This month we learn about company culture and ‘the way we do things around here’. Obviously, the culture in one business is totally different to the next, and each organisation has to sculpt its own identity through the development of a value system that is instilled by management. Company culture is widely regarded as one of the most important factors involved in creating a profitable business but also one of the most overlooked. Some think of it as a cost; an expense that should be minimised. But those that correctly invest, quickly see benefits. Take PROMMAC for example, a South African engineering firm. The company has created a culture that sees employees involved in decisions, they have opportunities for advancement, they have an environment in which they can relax, and they are upskilled with a focus on quality. Instilling this culture has resulted in a massive improvement on the bottom line over the past few years and it’s not the only example where this has happened.

Other examples include Airvent, a Cape Town-based leader in the HVAC industry; Mazda Southern Africa, the international brand that is changing business models in South Africa; Le-Sel Research, the manufacturing business that has created a culture of improvement and growth; and G4S, one of the largest employers in Africa, whose culture of people development is unmatched and has been recognised around the world.

All of these organisations have realised the results from a people focussed culture that favours development and investment in employees and as a result, all are growing and creating further employment in these times of uncertainty. They are truly examples to follow – read on for more information.