Cultivating Company Culture with Technology

In today’s fiercely competitive business world, leaders across Asia face immense pressure to ramp up digital transformation. However, many organisations focus on technology solely to boost ROI and streamline operations, overlooking its crucial role in shaping company culture.

Traditionally, organisational culture in India and elsewhere is implemented top-down, even though leaders don’t discuss it that much or often ignore it entirely. And when it comes to technology investments, leadership teams prioritise productivity over internal factors.

In this article, I will explain why this oversight impacts organisational success and how a holistic, all-encompassing tech approach can provide a competitive advantage.

What is organisational culture?

Organisational culture is much like a company’s personality, and each entity possesses its own unique version. It comprises the values, beliefs, customs, and behaviours that shape how people within the company interact with each other and those outside. This culture influences everything from the workplace atmosphere, how employees get along, how decisions are made and where the company is headed.

You can spell out your culture in mission and vision statements or codes of conduct, but it’s also shown in how people act every day, the routines they follow and the behaviour of both the employees and leaders in the organisation.

Why culture matters

In Asia’s rapidly evolving business landscape, culture is more than just a buzzword or feel-good concept – it’s a practical necessity. This importance stems from a variety of reasons:

• Remote and Hybrid Workforces – With the growth of remote work, greatly accelerated by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining a cohesive culture has become more challenging. Organisations must actively nurture their culture to remain strong even when employees are spread out across different locations.
• Changing Workforce Demographics – Today’s workforce is increasingly diverse in terms of age, background and expectations. A strong culture can serve as a common thread that unites people from different walks of life and helps attract and retain talent from various backgrounds.
• Disruptive Technology – Tech is advancing at an unprecedented rate, requiring organisations to adapt and innovate continuously. A resilient and adaptable culture is essential to support this ongoing transformation.
• Evolving Market Dynamics – Organisations must be agile in a world where market conditions, consumer preferences, and unforeseen crises can change rapidly. A culture encouraging experimentation, taking calculated risks and learning from failures is invaluable in such environments.
• Employee Well-being – Recognising the importance of employee welfare and mental health is vital to organisational success. A culture that prioritises factors like work-life balance leads to higher engagement and productivity and makes the organisation more attractive for talent acquisition and retention.
• Meeting CSR Commitments – Modern businesses are increasingly expected to be socially responsible and environmentally conscious. An organisational culture that values sustainability and ethical practices is essential to meet these expectations.

Technologies that can shape organisational culture

Various types of technology can enhance and shape organisational culture in positive ways. Here are some examples:

• Collaboration and Project Management Tools: Real-time communication and project collaboration platforms promote teamwork, efficiency and inclusivity in remote work environments.
• Intranet and Knowledge Sharing Platforms: Platforms for sharing company information, accomplishments and knowledge promote transparency and problem solving.
• Automation and Chatbots: Advanced tools perform repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up employees for higher value and creative tasks.
• Feedback and Survey Tools: Platforms that collect employee feedback and conduct surveys provide data for informed cultural improvements.
• Employee Recognition Software: Tools enabling peer recognition and rewards encourage a culture of appreciation for employee contributions.
• AI-driven Culture Analytics: AI tools analyse interactions and behaviours to provide insights for data-informed cultural improvements.
• Learning Management Systems (LMS): These systems offer training opportunities to foster continuous learning and skill development.
• Performance Management Systems: Software for streamlined performance reviews promotes performance improvement and accountability.
• Employee Wellness Apps: Apps designed to help employees manage stress, mental health and fitness contribute to a culture of well-being.
• Diversity and Inclusion Software: Tools to eliminate bias in recruitment processes support diversity and inclusion efforts.

It’s important to highlight that leaders need to strike a balance between technology and human interaction when they’re trying to shape their culture. This means using technology to support and boost the culture without destroying the human aspects that give it strength and inclusiveness.

Recognising culture: A leadership advantage

The digital revolution isn’t just about streamlining processes or increasing profits. It’s about using technology to create a thriving, positive workplace that nurtures your organisation.

A comprehensive tech approach throughout your business structure can drive positive change. It encourages collaboration and empowers employees to be more productive and creative. It enables remote work, flexible schedules and work-life balance for today’s diverse workforce. And it helps build a flourishing workplace culture that attracts the best talent and improves employee retention.

Companies that invest in and foster a positive culture are better positioned to thrive and adapt in our ever-evolving business environment, setting themselves apart in the eyes of both employees and customers.

For candidates aspiring to leadership roles, recognising the role of technology in enhancing culture distinguishes them as forward-thinking and progressive. It can make a critical difference in today’s competitive job market, positioning you for the most coveted roles.

Written by James Agrawal, the Managing Director of BTI Executive Search India. With 24 years of experience, James is an established thought leader and the go-to person for professional services that span Executive Search & Selection, Career Transition Services, HR Advisory or Coaching.

With a successful track record in India and Thailand regions revolving around enhancing business profitability and operational excellence – he is not only renowned amongst blue chip clients but is seen as a champion of change concerning his diverse range of expertise across operations, digital/technology, corporate support; research& development & manufacturing roles.

Unlock further industry insights by connecting with James.