How do external stakeholders perceive a company's organisational culture?

External stakeholders perceive a company's organisational culture through its public image, communication, and corporate social responsibility activities.

External stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, investors, and the wider community, form their perception of a company's organisational culture based on various factors. One of the most significant is the company's public image. This includes the company's reputation, the quality of its products or services, and its overall market presence. For instance, a company that consistently delivers high-quality products and maintains a strong customer service is likely to be perceived as having a customer-centric culture.

Communication is another crucial factor. How a company communicates with its stakeholders, both in terms of frequency and quality, can significantly influence their perception. A company that regularly communicates its goals, values, and achievements to its stakeholders is likely to be seen as transparent and trustworthy. This can be done through various channels, such as press releases, social media, and corporate events.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities also play a vital role in shaping stakeholders' perception of a company's organisational culture. These activities reflect the company's commitment to ethical practices and social causes. For example, a company that actively participates in environmental conservation projects may be perceived as having a culture that values sustainability and social responsibility.

Moreover, stakeholders may also form their perception based on the company's leadership style and employee behaviour. For instance, a company led by a charismatic leader who promotes innovation and creativity is likely to be perceived as having an innovative culture. Similarly, if employees are seen as happy, motivated, and engaged, stakeholders may perceive the company as having a positive and supportive culture.

In conclusion, external stakeholders perceive a company's organisational culture based on a combination of factors, including its public image, communication, CSR activities, leadership style, and employee behaviour. Therefore, companies should carefully manage these aspects to create a positive perception among their stakeholders.