What is company culture?

Company culture is fundamentally about the behaviors and values that are repeatedly emphasized within an organization. It is not merely about external elements like mission statements or office perks but rather the actions and practices that are consistently upheld.

For instance, Whitney Wolfe Herd emphasizes the importance of the initial hires in defining the culture of a company. She notes that these early team members become "culture warriors" who propagate the foundational values and vision through their interactions and leadership as the organization grows 1.

Similarly, David Heinemeier Hansson describes culture as the accumulation of actions taken repeatedly within the company. He argues that culture often becomes apparent retrospectively and should be adjusted iteratively based on what behaviors are observed to be effective or detrimental 2.

In essence, company culture is created and sustained by the consistent behaviors and values lived out by its people, shaping not only the internal environment but also how the organization is perceived externally.