Employment Spot

Corporate Culture

Every organization is unique. Many companies celebrate their individuality by aligning their employees, work environment and procedures with predetermined ideals.

What is corporate culture?

Explore the concept :

• Auxillium West: Corporate Culture
  This human resources consulting firm takes a stab at defining corporate culture.

Shorts or suits?

The culture of an organization can dramatically affect your day-to-day experience on the job. As you explore career options, take time to consider the corporate climate. Would you rather work 10-hour days in shorts or 8-hour days in a suit and tie? What’s more important – a company foosball table or daycare center?

Corporate culture manifests itself in various ways. From the architecture and decor of the building to what people wear, the overall environment of the company is often readily apparent. Over time, many companies even develop their own language. Companies like Hewlett-Packard, Southwest Airlines and Microsoft are known for hiring people that "fit" the corporate culture.

Would I fit in?

Some companies explicitly outline their corporate culture. Most don’t make it that easy.

As you go through the interview process, look for clues:

• When you interviewed, how were people dressed?
• Did upper management and front-line employees interact?
• How did other employees interact?
• Were people happy?

Many sites recommend interview attire, techniques and questions, but they speak to a general audience. To really get your feet wet, visit WetFeet.com. The site offers a mix of free and for-free content that reveal companies’ inner operations. Company and industry profiles summarize a company’s culture, and discussion boards let past and present employees share their experiences.

   — Aidan Leonard and Lauren Zollinger