The impact of corporate culture on employees' performance : a case of Standard Bank in Pietermaritzburg.

Abstract

This study set to analyse the impact of corporate culture on the performance of employees’ at Standard Bank in Pietermaritzburg. The researcher investigated the factors that make up the corporate culture model of Standard Bank; how those factors affect employees’ performance; and how employees perceive and adapt to the changes of corporate culture. The Competing Values Framework was adopted as the theoretical framework to guide the study. It consists of four constructs: hierarchical, developmental, rational, and group culture. The research made use of a mixed methods research approach; combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods. In order to select participants for the interviews, the purposive sampling method was used. In addition, convenience sampling was utilised to identify respondents for the questionnaires. Five service centre leaders or branch managers were interviewed and forty-one questionnaires were completed by Standard Bank employees. The findings of the study revealed that there was a strong correlation between corporate culture and employees’ performance. Using the Competing Values Framework as a guide, it was discovered that four dimensions of corporate culture exist within Standard Bank, but hierarchical culture was the most dominant. According to the findings, it takes an average of three months for all employees to fully adjust when there are changes of corporate culture within Standard Bank. While they would eventually adapt to modifications in the organisation, older employees were identified as more resistant towards these changes. It was thus recommended that Standard Bank make their organisational culture more flexible. Since all the dimensions of the Competing Values Framework exist within the bank, the managers need to ensure that employees apply the most effective dimension to deal with each given situation. When there are changes within the company, a succinct statement should be communicated to employees.