The relationship between business strategy and organisational culture.

This study has been undertaken with the specific objective of acquiring an insight into the concept “organisational culture” within a business strategic management context, as well as the role played by the organisation in the formulation and implementation of organisational strategy and culture. In this study an integrated approach is followed in order to describe and analyse the concepts within the context of business strategic management. The study confirms the importance of organisational culture as a key component of the business strategy and cultural management process. Traditionally the influence of organisational culture has largely been ignored by both researchers and practitioners. Managers, therefore, need to develop an awareness of the cultures of their organisations, and acquire a thorough understanding of the concept of culture and its influence on the formulation and implementation of business strategy and culture. Researchers from various disciplines, such as anthropology, industrial psychology and strategic management, have analysed various aspects of the concept of organisational culture. It is noted in particular that few researchers view the concept as a component of an integrated organisational system. With reference to research findings and statements by management practitioners, it appears that different perceptions have been formed with regard to what is meant by the concept of organisational culture, as well as its specific influence on the organisation and the realisation of the organisation’s mission. The different perceptions may be attributed to the fact that individual components of the concept have been studied within the context of various distinct disciplines. This has resulted in the concept of organisational culture not being clearly distinguished from the related concept of organisational climate within the context of strategic management. However, there appears to be general consensus that organisational culture exerts a substantial influence on the formulation and implementation of organisational strategy.Prof. N. Lessin