Cultural fit.  We are all told it is important.  A Google search yields more than 2 million hits on the term.  But what does cultural fit mean?  How does cultural fit affect an employee?  Basically, just what is so important about cultural fit?

According to Webster’s Dictionary, culture “is the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.”  In a corporate context this means culture is about company values, diversity goals, technology, ways-of-working, use of jargon and communication processes, among other things.  These elements define the work environment and can make all the difference in an employee’s level of job satisfaction and productivity.

Employers are actively looking at ways to brand and publicize their culture as a proactive recruitment tool.  Approximately two-thirds of corporations responding to a 2006 survey on employment branding felt that branding helps attract and retain top talent. The Employment Branding Study, conducted by California-based EMERGE and Chicago-based Rada Advertising Inc., also found one-third of respondents were investing funds into employer brand building.  

By researching a company’s culture vis a vi it’s brand, candidates can assess whether or not they will fit in.  Employers encourage this research.  More and more companies include culture pages on their corporate web site.  Benefits can also provide a good sense of a company’s culture or brand.  A company touting game rooms and casual attire will have a very different culture than a company (perhaps in the same industry) that stresses history, tradition and tangible ($) benefits.

There is also nothing wrong with asking about a company’s culture during the interview process.  Here are some possible questions candidates can ask:

• What would an average employee say they like best/worst about working here?
• What three words define your company culture?
• How does communication with employees work? 

As you assess the company’s fit to your style, and be prepared to explain to potential employers how you would fit into their style as well.  A recent recruitment study conducted by HR consulting giant Development Dimensions International (DDI) found that 94% of employers will ask behavior based interview questions, or questions used to determine your personal attributes and work style.

Cultural fit is not without controversy.  The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has published numerous articles warning that overly focusing on culture can lead to a “like-me bias,” the tendency to hire in one’s own image.   The “like-me bias” can erode diversity goals and possibly create EEO issues.  Additional concerns regarding employer branding revolve around overselling.  A forthright approach is best for both prospective employer and employee. 

As with any relationship, there is no perfect fit in the world of work.  Don’t expect one. Know who you are, what you are looking for and what compromises you are willing to make.  Matching your work style to a corporate brand is no guarantee of employment bliss.  But it can be a useful tool in the employment search.

GiGi's Elite Spa 

10928 South Western .

Chicago, Il 60643

 773-445-0345 

Tiny Productions

Chicago, Il

773-428-6400

Call or click the link above for more information

regarding showtimes, ticket sales

and more.