Corporate culture is constantly evolving

Before we discuss corporate culture, tell us about Tejarah Talks?

Tejarah Talks is a series of seven evening discussions organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in association

with Oman Business Forum and supported by HSBC and SOHAR Port & Freezone. It is a gathering space, bringing together some of the Sultanate of Oman’s most inspirational and innovative business thinkers to share their stories with a big, unique, warm and enthusiastic crowd. We are motivated by the belief that everyone needs to be part of the conversation about the future if they are to get the most from it. Tejarah Talks is a platform for positive interaction.

The next session of Tejarah Talks is on Wednesday, March 30, and the topic up for discussion is corporate culture – what exactly is that?

For me, corporate culture is a company’s vision, as well as its values, beliefs, attitudes and goals – the all-important ingredients that guide a firm’s thinking and behaviour. In simple terms, it all starts with what motivates someone to get up and go to work each day. Among other things, it is about promoting team spirit, honest communication, transparency, honouring commitments and being customer-centric. Look around and you will see every Omani business, big or small talking strategy, but whether that strategy succeeds or not usually hinges on one thing - culture

Is corporate culture set in stone or does it morph?

The best kind of corporate culture is constantly evolving. It is about reflection, routinely examining how your business functions. Ask yourself, are my staff spending their time and energy in a way that aligns with the company’s purpose and values? What are you offering your staff, both personally and professionally? What are you doing right for them? What can you do better? Do they have the right tools to do the job? Corporate culture is more than just a buzzword it is the fuel that turns vision into reality.

Should corporate culture encourage creativity and risk-taking?

Great question, when you look at successful Omani companies they are the ones fostering an environment that encourages creativity and risk taking. I know from my own experience that a team that feels safe to experiment and make mistakes thinks bigger and contributes more enthusiastically. I would also add that if you want to retain creative talent you need to help them become the best versions of themselves and achieve their goals. People are a company’s greatest asset and it is essential to commit time and energy to spur them forward. As they say, culture requires walking the walk.

What about Gen-Z, are they going to challenge corporate culture?

Corporate culture is going to be challenged and changed by Gen-Z – professionals in their mid-20s now entering Oman’s workforce. This is a generation concerned about climate change, diversity, equality as well as employee well-being and work-life balance. They want continual learning, training and development opportunities, flexible working and career progression. They also want happiness, fulfilment, appreciation and security just like every other generation. This is a group that is laser-focused on securing a better future for themselves, fuelled, I believe, by the hardships experienced during the pandemic. Going forward, they may pose some challenges for HR managers. However, ultimately, they will change the world of work for the better and improvements that benefit Gen-Z benefit everyone, right?