The Culture Patterns Framework
It’s time for a culture shift.
Working in nonprofits, we’ve seen values-driven organizations struggle with re-orgs, leadership changes, and staff conflict. We’ve seen them invest heavily in structural solutions, but rarely see the same attention given to culture. This made sense, since culture work almost always draws from the corporate perspective.
Culture Patterns Rooted in Values
The Culture Patterns Framework was developed to give social change organizations the tools to tend to culture. The Framework is rooted in four value orientations that every social change organization varies on: Connection, Movement, Grounding, and Purpose.
Change with Purpose
By gauging their focus on each orientation, organizations are able to see whether what they’re planning (or what they are doing) will draw them closer to values they want, or even whether those changes will accelerate drifting from what matters.
A Tale of Two Organizations
One culture pattern we’ve seen is the High Connection and Movement orientation. Common during periods of rapid growth, this organization was focused on developing their staff base and opportunities. Strong staff morale and relationships were a key strength for their work, but knowing they were also low on both Grounding and Purpose orientations served as a wakeup call to tend to process and their core mission work.
On the other hand is the High Grounding and Purpose organization. This organization was laser-focused on tried-and-true areas of influence, was well known in their issue sphere, and was committed to reliability. Their pattern granted them enormous credibility, but broader awareness of low Movement gave leadership the support needed to be a more vocal supporter of racial justice–an area that, to some, felt outside of their lane.
Align Changes to Identity
“Does this change who we are?”
Change occasionally calls into question whether the path ahead will take organizations away from who they are. But the truth is that a change in culture patterns does not necessitate a drift away from an organization’s identity. However, new and dramatic culture patterns have the potential for transformative shifts in organizational identity. The Framework provides a lens through which to identify these shifts, and navigate them with care.
Culture (and people) power change.
We believe in the fundamental power of the collective, and in a participatory model of change. Organizational shifts have real impacts on the lives of those doing the work. The Framework also acknowledges the power they have to affect change. By reaching out intentionally to those doing the work, organizations can move more thoughtfully through communications, strategy, and implementation.
Dive Deeper into Organizational Culture.
If you’re eager to see how we can be your guides through your culture journey, check out our services or send us an email at hello@culturepatterns.org.