Classification of Company Culture

There are many ways of classifying organisational culture. One attempt was made by Charles handy in understanding organisations 1993. He argued that there were four main types of organisational culture

Power culture: A power culture is one where there is a single source of power responsible for decision-making. There are few rules and procedures within the business, and these are overwritten by the individuals you hold power when it suits them. There is competitive atmosphere amongst employees. Among other things the computer game power because of this allows them to achieve their own objectives. This creates a political atmosphere within the business. Relatively young, small to medium sized businesses, where single owners founded the Firm and are still very much in control, could typically have power cultures.
Role culture: In a role culture, decisions are made through well-established rules and procedures. Power is the associated with a role, such as marketing director or supervisor, rather than with individuals. In contrast to a power culture, influence and control lie with the roles that individuals play rather than with the individuals themselves. An organisation with a role culture will have a tall or flat hierarchy with a long chain of command. Roll coaches could be described as bureaucratic. The Civil Service is an example of a role culture
Task culture: In a task culture, how is given to those who can accomplish tasks. Power therefore lies with those with expertise rather than a particular role as in a role culture. A task culture, team working is common, with teams made up of the experts need to get a job. Teams are created and then dissolved as the work changes. Adaptability and dynamism are important in this culture
Person culture: A person culture is one where there are a number of individuals in the business who have expertise, but who do not necessarily work together particularly. The purpose of the organisation is to support individuals. The business will be full of people with similar background, skill set and training. Examples of person cultures could be firms of accountants, lawyers, doctors or architect