Maturity Model

The Cultural Alignment Maturity Model is an assessment tool. Unlike most cultural assessment models, that attempt to qualify the characteristics of a good or “healthy” organization, this model is focused on the alignment of a culture to the overall business needs of the organization. It is equally applicable to a company that is focused on integrity and accountability as a company that is focused on innovation and creativity.

What does this look like in practice?

Chaos

Unclean or unsafe work conditions are treated differently team to team. Some managers ignore the situation, some give direction to the work group to correct the problem and some jump in themselves and correct the problem immediately.
An organization implements changes to the sales coverage model. Only some managers are willing to enforce the changes. Most sales people use the “old” coverage model as they have relationships with all their “old” key contacts. The change is rejected and the sales model is deemed a failure.

Reactive

Implementing a change management training program to help managers lead change after employees file complaints.
Adding to the travel policy after an employee drinks too much at dinner with a client.
Managers who discourage taking chances on a new product despite knowing there is a need to “innovate”.

Proactive

Customer Service Agents will do “the right thing” with a disgruntled customer, in a way that is consistent with core values and consistent across agents.
Culture is a driving factor in planning for significant business change, like M&A.
A values recognition program may recognize teamwork while the sales compensation plan incents individual effort.

Optimized

Employee turnover is significantly reduced when leaders clearly communicate the value of helping the community to candidates for seeking jobs at a non-for profit. Why? They are able to identify candidates whose personal values are aligned to the organization’s value of service (and their non-for profit compensation plan).
A technology company with a culture based on freedom and responsibility has defined a great workplace as “stunning colleagues”. They have teams of handpicked overachievers and no vacation policy. They just don’t need it.