Study of organizational culture - diagnosis, values, strategy

What is an organizational culture study?

With an organizational culture survey you will understand and define the differences between the current and expected culture, identify directions for change and assess the company's readiness for transformation. It is possible to analyze the differences in perception between any defined groups of employees.

We use a variety of methodological approaches and adapt them to the context:

  • Quinn & Cameron (Competing Values Framework) - diagnosis of culture types and change preferences.
  • Cultures model: Zeus, Apollo, Athena, Dionysus (typologies based on power, role, task and autonomy strength).
  • DELIGHT (ADVISIO) methodology - flexible, participatory research design based on existing contextual research and benchmarks.

We work iteratively (when the problem requires exploration and adaptation) or in a waterfall model (when the solution is known and orderly implementation is needed). We choose the form of work: facilitation, expert consulting, and, if necessary, interim management.

Why study the culture of an organization?

  • Conscious communication management and monitoring of effects.
  • Supporting the implementation of strategies - especially innovative ones.
  • Understanding the causes of disagreements between departments and functions.
  • Building a common identity across departments and locations.
  • Accelerating integration in corporate groups and alliances.

What are the benefits of studying organizational culture?

  • Increased employee engagement and satisfaction.
  • Improved communication and collaboration.
  • More effective change management and less resistance.
  • Increased organizational cohesion and identification with the company.
  • Better "culture fit" in recruitment and faster onboarding.
  • Higher competitiveness and innovation.
  • Stronger reputation and employer brand.

Understanding culture allows you to create a work environment that meets real needs - this translates into motivation and results.

What processes and projects will we help you support?

  • Culture diagnosis "current vs. expected state" + recommendations for change.
  • Workshop of values and principles of cooperation (leadership principles).
  • Internal communication project and standards for interdepartmental cooperation.
  • Leadership programs and development of managerial roles.
  • Integration support after mergers/acquisitions (PMI) and structural changes.
  • Mapping of culture "pain points" and corrective action plan.

When is it a good idea to conduct an organizational culture study?

  • When the scale of the company grows and friction between departments emerges.
  • When commitment declines, turnover increases or conflicts escalate.
  • Before implementing a strategy/OKR - to increase the chances of success.
  • After ownership changes, mergers or transformations.
  • When communication "stutters" and information does not flow.

What challenges does a culture survey solve in practice?

  • Difficulties in collaboration → common rules and clear roles.
  • Low efficiency and conflicts → aligned work standards and rituals.
  • Difficulties in information flow → consistent communication and channels.
  • Sense of loss of direction → clear narrative of strategies and goals.
  • Falsified opinions → triangulation of data, benchmarks and anonymization.

Select approaches (Athena - team-based, Quinn & Cameron - organizational, or hybrid) to cover key areas and minimize bias.

Schedule a short diagnostic consultation

How do we work every day - standards, tools and security?

  • SLA, RACI and review calendar (transparent action plan).
  • RODO, confidentiality clauses and data access control.
  • PL and ENG - we work bilingually, including in international environments.
  • Tools: SmartManager®, Smarteedu.cloud, survey and diagnostic platforms.
  • Forms of work: facilitation, expert consulting, interim management.
  • Implementation: iteratively (agile) or waterfall - depending on complexity.

How do we measure the results of a culture survey?

  • Indicators: ENG/eNPS, "alignment index", time-to-integration, policy adoption.
  • Monthly/quarterly reports, conclusion maps and recommendations.
  • "Quick wins" in 90 days + medium/long-term plan.

What can you do today to get started?

  • Send a brief description of cultural challenges and key teams.
  • Make an appointment for a consultation (PL/ENG) - we will select the approach and tools.
  • Start diagnosis: study design + timeline + communication plan.
Study organizational culture with Heuresis and see results in 90 days

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

  1. What method do you use to study organizational culture?

    We match the approach to the context: Quinn & Cameron (CVF), the Zeus-Apollo-Atena-Dionysus model, and the DELIGHT methodology (ADVISIO). We combine these with benchmarks and data triangulation.

  2. Is the survey anonymous and compliant with RODO?

    Yes. We ensure anonymization, data minimization and access control in accordance with RODO and internal security policies.

  3. How long does the survey take and when will I see the results?

    First findings and "quick wins" usually in 4-6 weeks, full report and action plan according to agreed schedule (SLA).

  4. Do you help implement changes after the study?

    Yes. We conduct values workshops, leadership programs and implement collaboration standards, supporting communication and measuring results.

Let's talk about the culture survey

With an organizational culture survey, you will understand and define the differences between the current and expected organizational culture to identify directions for change. You will assess the company's readiness for change and learn about the differences in perceptions of culture by any definition of a group of employees.

How does the data from the survey of the organization's culture help?

  • Enables conscious management of communication in the company depending on the situation, needs and conditions, and monitoring of the effects
  • Supports implementation of strategies especially innovative ones
  • Allows managers to understand the causes of disagreements between departments and functions of the organization
  • Facilitates building a common identity across departments and functions
  • Accelerates integration in building holding structures and strategic alliances.

How is the organization affected by the implementation of recommendations from the culture survey?

  1. Increased employee engagement.
  2. Improved communication.
  3. Effective change management.
  4. Increased organizational cohesion.
  5. Better fit of new employees.
  6. Increased competitiveness.
  7. Improved reputation and market position.
  • Understanding organizational culture enables you to create a work environment that better meets the needs of your employees. This in turn leads to increased engagement, motivation and job satisfaction.
  • Researching an organization's culture helps spot barriers to internal communication. Understanding how messages are received by different groups of employees helps in communication.
  • The survey allows you to adapt your change strategy to existing norms, minimizing employee resistance and increasing the chances of success in introducing new solutions.
  • The survey can help develop or strengthen an organizational culture that supports the company's goals and strategy and contributes to employee identification with the company.
  • Understanding organizational culture enables newly recruited employees to "fit in" so they can become engaged team members more quickly.
  • Companies with a strong organizational culture are competitive and open to innovation. The study makes it possible to identify and develop those aspects that support creativity and innovation.
  • Such organizations, enjoy a better reputation in the eyes of customers, partners and potential employees. A strong organizational culture is an important element of an employer brand.

Why study organizational culture with Heuresis?

Research conducted with proven methodologies selected according to the type of problem

Standardized reports that enable cyclical, objective verification of conducted activities

Possibility to choose survey technique - online, traditional version or mixed method

Available benchmark from the Polish market

Short survey time thanks to a proven way of conducting it

Comprehensive report taking into account the information needs of the ordering party

Frequently asked questions about organizational culture survey

  1. What is organizational culture?

    Organizational culture is a set of values, beliefs, behaviors and practices that characterize an organization. It includes the way people in an organization work together, make decisions, solve problems and communicate.

  2. Why is it important to study it?

    Studying organizational culture helps understand what values and behaviors are promoted in a company, which in turn affects the quality of work, employee motivation, change management and the overall atmosphere.

  3. What methods are used?

    The most popular methods include surveys and questionnaires, individual and group interviews, workshops and focus sessions, as well as document analysis and observation.

  4. Who should conduct this service?

    The survey can be conducted internally by the HR department or a team dedicated to culture management. However, companies often choose to work with external consultants to ensure objectivity and experience in this area.

  5. How often to conduct organizational culture surveys?

    Frequency depends on many factors, including the dynamics of change in the organization. It is recommended that an organizational culture survey be conducted at least once every 2-3 years.

  6. What are the challenges involved?

    Challenges include ensuring anonymity and confidentiality of responses, interpreting subjective opinions and beliefs, and implementing changes based on the survey results.

  7. What to do with the results?

    The survey results should be carefully analyzed and then discussed with the management team to develop and implement an action plan to reinforce positive aspects and improve areas in need of change.

    A culture survey is the first step to building an organization that is a place where people want to work and grow. Trust our experience and let us guide your company through the process.

    Have us survey your organizational culture and your company will become more resilient and competitive, and your employees will want to work for you!

  8. Do you always survey the same way, or do you adapt to the client's situation?

    We tailor the approach to the context and objectives. We use established models (e.g., Quinn & Cameron, Zeus-Apollo-Atena-Dionysus typologies) and flexible methodologies (e.g., DELIGHT), combining them with benchmarks and existing company research. This allows us to select the appropriate scope, tools and method of work (expert or participatory).

  9. Can the survey be conducted remotely, paper-based or hybrid?

    Yes. We carry out surveys remotely, on paper and hybrid - depending on the availability of employees, the specifics of the positions and security requirements. It is important for us to ensure comparability of data, anonymity and convenience of participation.

Let's talk about the culture survey

If you need more information please contact us.