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How is startup culture different from corporate culture?

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Question added by Nuridin Islam Diab , Training Manager , Bbusinesss LLE
Date Posted: 2016/04/12
Sidrah Nadeem
by Sidrah Nadeem , Global Marketing Manager , Hill+Knowlton Strategies

That's an interesting question.

 

Startup's are less calculated but more determined to do a multitude of things at the same time. Group members are doing multiple chores (double hatting) whereas larger corporations have departmentalized roles for everyone with clear KPI's.

By default startups have to be cohesive to survive, whereas you often find departments disagreeing with one another over targets, responsibilities and mistakes.

 

The interesting part is both new and successful old ventures have one common factor, great people with the right aptitude and attitude to steer growth.

A startup culture is a workplace environment that values creative problem solving, open communication and a flat hierarchy. What makes a great company culture at a startup, and what companies are good examples? 1. Transparency and open communication 2. Team focus 3. Challenging work / Job design 4. Culture of accountability 5. Resourcing 6. Open feedback systems Corporate culture refers to the beliefs and behaviors that determinehow a company's employees and management interactand handle outside business transactions. Often, corporate culture is implied, not expressly defined, and develops organically over time from the cumulative traits of the people the company hires. A company's culture will be reflected in its dress code, business hours, office setup,employee benefits,turnover, hiring decisions, treatment of clients, client satisfaction and every other aspect of operations. environmentof anorganization. Organizational culture includes an organization's expectations, experiences, philosophy, and values that hold it together, and is expressed in its self-image, inner workings, interactions with the outside world, and future expectations. It is based on shared attitudes,beliefs,customs, and written and unwritten rules that have beendevelopedover time and are consideredvalid. Also calledcorporate culture, it's shown in (1) the ways the organization conducts itsbusiness, treats its employees, customers, and the widercommunity, (2) the extent to whichfreedomis allowed indecision making, developing new ideas, and personal expression, (3) howpowerandinformation flowthrough itshierarchy, and (4) how committed employees are towards collective objectives. It affects the organization'sproductivityand performance, and provides guidelines on customercareand service,product qualityandsafety, attendance and punctuality, andconcernfor the environment.

ACHMAD SURJANI
by ACHMAD SURJANI , General Manager Operations , Sinar Jaya Group Ltd

Aspects Of A Startup That Beat Out Corporate Culture Any Day

I always knew I wasn't cut out for corporate culture, one that was especially pervasive at the strict financial institution for which I was working. For starters, I have a problem with narrow-mindedness and authority, both of which are prevalent in traditional office environments.

And then there was also that special morning when I dared to bring in 10 massive bottles of champagne and orange juice for celebratory mimosas on my birthday. The senior partners were particularly offended; I assured them I had purchased enough for everyone to have seconds.

Needless to say, my creative passions and the finance world's rigid objectives never fully aligned. I voluntarily quit before receiving my big bonus because the corporate setting was just that unbearable. Walking on eggshells with my out-of-touch boss and closely watching everything I had to say had become harder than the actual work itself.

Embarking on a career in the corporate world and then switching to one in the start-up community has made me greatly appreciate the people, places and ideas in this field. I'm not saying that corporate culture is evil and everyone should work at a startup, but it's definitely a better way of life if you can't picture wearing a suit and tie for the rest of your career.

While I'm grateful for the experiences gained during my financial job (as a recent grad, I clearly had a lot to learn about working-life in general), I would never return to a corporate position — especially now, having tasted the many start-up freedoms and opportunities. Because working at a startup is like working on an interesting group project at a big, comfortable study lounge with all your smart friends and really good snacks.

The corporate jungle is a much different environment than a start-up field. Here are the 10 unique aspects of startups that beat the corporate world any day.

1. Every employee has a voice

The rules of hierarchy at a startup are not nearly as inflexible and unrelenting as they are in a more traditional work setting. Your boss is not only approachable, but is also always ready to listen to the ideas of his or her employees.

Your say and your input are just as important as someone in a more senior position, which is something everyone understands and values. Your boss recognizes that every employee has a worthy contribution that can advance the company and is willing to accept these suggestions.

2. It's okay to be unpolitically correct

At a startup, you're working with lots of liberated minds and creative thinkers. Most people didn’t get there because they followed arbitrary rules other people set for them. It's okay, and in fact encouraged, to speak your mind and remain true to your beliefs. If you're quirky or weird or outspoken, you'll paradoxically fit right in.

3. Relaxed dress code

Men will be happy not having to wear full suits and ties during the summer. Women will be happy not having to shell out additional money for a more professional wardrobe.

You are not judged by how long your skirt is, you are not reprimanded for your nail polish color and you don't have to worry about your lack of pocket square. Expressing your individuality through your clothing is one major perk of working in a more laidback environment. Management realizes that the best work can be done when you feel comfortable.

4. Personal ownership of your work and company

The contributions you make are directly related to the success of the company — you can literally see your own progress manifesting itself in the greater growth of the startup.

It's additionally important to be self-motivated because you are the sole responsibility to get your work done. The more you put in, the more you will get out of your job. You have an immediate stake in your company and thus the work you do is visible and resonates within the startup.

5. Your boss understands you and appreciates where you've come from

You are hired at a startup not just due to your expertise, but also due to who you are and the potential you can live up to. Everyone around you has made sacrifices and has talent, and your boss is there to effectively harness it — not hinder it.

Your boss can relate to your current station and understands you are there to help further the company. He or she doesn't want to antagonize you or make your work harder — he or she is there to guide you and work with you, as opposed to above you.

6. Greater responsibility

There are more opportunities to shine and work across the board when you have the flexibility of an expanding, nascent company. What you're doing is always important and meaningful because it has a direct impact on the company's success. You are given more responsibility since you're there from the very beginnings.

7. Entrepreneurial spirit

The overall environment at a startup is one of innovation and betterment. The company culture is easy-going and supportive, whereas more corporate settings are austere and exclusive. Not only do you have access to every aspect of your startup, you also have connections to the greater start-up community.

The entrepreneurial spirit is pervasive throughout, which lends itself to appreciating and partnering with other start-up companies. You're not afraid of competition; you welcome new, emerging companies in your space and the opportunity to learn from one another.

8. Learning your value

No one is telling you the specific tasks you need to complete, but rather you are in charge of knowing what needs to be done and how to do it most efficiently. Because you can define your own role, you eventually learn your capabilities and intrinsic value. You understand areas of improvement and strength.

9. Being a jack-of-all-trades is welcomed

Most traditional companies hire you for one sole purpose, and they prefer you to be focused in a specific area of expertise. At a startup, however, you are more valuable if you can meaningfully contribute to a variety of sectors.

Being a well-rounded employee with knowledge of different subject matters means you can pitch-in wherever help is needed. Having a wide variety of interests is more attractive to an incipient company that calls for innovation and maturation.

10. Every day is different

At a startup, every day is different, your trajectory is unknown and each day is a new challenge. You'll never be stuck in a rut or doing the same task in your same cubicle underneath your same boss.

Exchanging ideas is encouraged, especially when you encounter an unfamiliar situation. You're constantly pushing yourself and learning better ways to further both your career and the company. Every assignment is varied and important for different reasons.

TARIG BABIKER AL AMIN
by TARIG BABIKER AL AMIN , Head of Planning and Studies Unit , Sudanese Free Zones and Markets Co.

Startup culture has received a lot of attention lately — people are looking for ways to improve the overall experience at work and some are even champions of seamlessly integrating work into their life

Many first-time startup founders struggle to devote time to define their culture from the beginning, only to come to the painful realization that culture certainly has an impact on the operational side of business. Seasoned founders and CEOs who believe there is room for culture from the beginning experience less culture-related stress as they grow. I often talk to folks at various stages of growth and find that although culture is seen as essential, many are unsure of how to define it for their own purposes. This can be particularly challenging when there are less than a handful of people on the team

A company culture is a combination of your shared vision, and the way your internal team and the organization acts. Typically, in a start-up situation, the culture is heavily influenced by the founders of the company

Gourab Mitra
by Gourab Mitra , Manager IT Project Program and Delivery Management(Full Time Contract/Consulting Role) , IXTEL(ixtel.com)

Great answers have been posted over here

مها شرف
by مها شرف , معلمة لغة عربية , وزارة التربية السورية

I leave answer for professional. Thanks for the invitation. 

ghazi Almahadeen
by ghazi Almahadeen , Project Facilitator , Jordan River Foundation

Thank you for inviting ........... Support answer Ms. Sidra Nadeem

Mohamed Helal
by Mohamed Helal , Project Manager , GROUP CONSULT INTERNATIONAL

I  feel its great  question ..but i prefer to leave answer for profissionals

Omar Saad Ibrahem Alhamadani
by Omar Saad Ibrahem Alhamadani , Snr. HR & Finance Officer , Sarri Zawetta Company

Thanks

I will wait with you for more answers

Ahmed Mohamed Ayesh Sarkhi
by Ahmed Mohamed Ayesh Sarkhi , Shared Services Supervisor , Saudi Musheera Co. Ltd.

because some culture destroy co. by them thoughts

 

Ghada Eweda
by Ghada Eweda , Medical sales hospital representative , Pfizer pharmaceutical Plc.

A good answer given by Mrs.howida amin . Thank you 

 

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