Culture, Employee Well-Being and Engagement Relationship: An Empirical Study

Abstract

People makes the place. Organizations are human systems that structurally, socially and technically aligned to improve engagement, experience and productivity (Ulrich, 2000). Capital mobility, advent of computers and information technology are transforming the world of work, labour markets, occupational structures and jobs. Organizations are increasingly becoming fluid and open as ever before. Organizations continue to struggle to stay competitive in today’s disrupted business environment. If people make the place, then it the culture of the workplace that can help organizations achieve competitive advantage (Harrison, 1972; Gordon and Di Tomaso, 1992). In today’s 24x7 society, creating the capacity for growth and continuous improvement requires an appropriate culture that supports for the development of a healthy work organization. This assertion is based on the powerful idea that when employees are highly motivated to perform, organizations perform well. The term ‘culture’ has acquired equal significance like strategy, structure and control (Barney, 1986; Hofstede et al., 1990). Culture defines the strong sense of self of organizations (Jacques, 1952; Pettigrew, 1979). Culture represents social ideals and beliefs that members come to share. It may be demonstrated by symbols, language, stories, rituals, etc. that defines the unique characteristics of each organization. Success stories of Southwest Airlines, Google, Zappos, etc., substantiate the importance of culture for performance and excellence, and widely publicized in the business world today. The performance of workplaces with positive cultures has spurred leaders and organizations to further explore how positive cultures are created, managed and fostered. Developing positive culture is a perpetual process and authentic leaders and organizations adapt creative ways of work and foster culture of engagement, experience and performance. Leading organizations treat workplace culture as an invaluable business tool. When culture ideals of individual members and organizations are aligned, such an alignment unleash tremendous amounts of energy and experience for such organizations and its members.