The following is an overview of the NorthStar culture assessment process. It must be noted that each process is tailored to meet the unique needs and dynamics of your company being served.
A successful process must be defined, disciplined, comprehensive and tailored.
Process Overview
I. Meet with organization leadership
- Assures higher level of buy-in throughout the company
- Learn and understand leadership’s vision and direction
II. Select internal culture assessment team to be a part of the process
- Cross section of company
- Mix of personnel for proper representation
III. Train the culture assessment team
- To understand and assess organizational culture
- To co-facilitate interviews and focus groups
IV. Gather data
- Environmental scan
- In-depth interviews
- Focus groups
- Employee survey (if required)
V. Synthesize data
VI. Formulate the cultural summary report
- List the issues
- Identify the dominant organizational values
- Identify beliefs and assumptions
- Clarify the dynamics within the culture that feed the beliefs and assumptions
- Provide support data
VII. Presentation of data to Leadership Team
VIII. Establish a plan of action
Process Success Factors
- Commitment of leadership
- Clear vision of desired culture
- Commitment of time and resources
- Use of external assistance and expertise for objectivity
- Use of internal employees for context and insights
