Organizational Culture and Communication

Organizational Culture and Communication

Communication is the lifeblood of any organization. A lack of effective communication can cripple an organization having a significant impact on employee satisfaction and retention, customer perception and brand image as well as productivity and profitability. Given the importance of communication to business, it is imperative that managers take it seriously, making a conscious effort to create an environment in which effective communication can be achieved both for and through corporate culture. One company that has done this effectively is Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing or 3M.

3M’s Corporate Culture

3M was founded on the principle that innovation and growth are only possible through an entrepreneurial spirit and strong integrity. The corporate culture is built on the company’s long history of investing in the communities in which it operates by providing jobs for local residents and supporting education and volunteerism; its employees through personal development programs and mentorship; the environment through clean air initiatives, and social and economic development (3M Company website, 2010).

Proof that 3M lives out its values can be seen in the numerous awards and recognitions the company has received over the years. Both the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have recognized 3M as an ”Energy Star Partner of the Year” for 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 (“3M Company: In Practice“, n.d.) for the company’s efforts in energy conservation. In 2009, for the fourth year running, Fortune magazine listed 3M in its "Top 20 Most Admired Companies” for 8 key attributes including social responsibility, innovation, quality of products, and employee talent (“Fortune“, 2009). According to the results of the ninth-annual Harris Interactive Reputation Quotient Survey, 3M is ranked fourth on the list of America’s favorite companies (“3M Awards and Recognition“, 2008). Factors considered in the...