NISER, Lagos Business School, others identify organisational culture for economic growth

The  Director General, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Professor Antonia Sinbine, Senior Fellow, Lagos Business School, Dr. Emmanuel Immafidon and Founder/ Executive Chairman Phillips Group, Mr. Foluso Phillips and other critical stakeholders have posited that any action and, or organization that prioritize the development of a strong positive culture foster environment would experience increase in productivity as well economic growth.

The trio and other discussamts at the lecture series organised by NISER in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation, held in Ibadan on Thursday harped on organisational culture as the critical heartbeat of an establishment and a means through which the nation itself could achieve success.

Dr Imafidon in a paper entitled: ‘The heart of success: How organisational culture and behaviour drive organisational effectiveness’ submitted that “organisations that prioritise the development of a strong, positive culture foster environments where employees flourish, productivity increases significantly, and goals are consistently achieved.”

The organisational culture, according to him is central to success because it shapes employee behaviour; drives effectiveness; increases performance and productivity; enhances collaboration and communication; and fosters innovation and agility.

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“Organisational culture matters because it can be a powerful source of competitive advantage. It galvanises a distinct identity, setting the organisation apart from the competition.”

Building organisational culture requires deliberate efforts and intentionality from leaders, who act as cultural architects by setting precedents with their actions and decisions.”

Imafidon, therefore, core practices for fostering a culture that drives effectiveness to include, among others, core values; leadership and communication; hiring and onboarding for cultural fit; institutionalising organisational culture through symbols; performance management programmes; and continuous.

Professor Simbine in her opening remarks described the  session as not just another policy engagement, but said, “it represented an important reflection on the ways that organizational culture and behaviour shape effectiveness, whether in public institutions, private enterprises, or civil society organizations.”

She noted that the seminar was a timely discussion as Nigerians, in both private and public spaces, struggle to build systems and institutions that not only achieve objectives but do so sustainably and ethically.

Chairman of the event, Foluso Phillips, agreed that by fostering a culture aligned with vision, strategies and goals, organisations build a foundation for long-term resilience, agility and success.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE