What kind of colleague do you want for your company? (Culture Fit and Culture Add)

When we look back at the components of “culture,” we find elements like language, rituals, beliefs, symbols, values, and cognitive elements. So, if we talk about the components of company culture, they should include:

Language: For communication to create mutual understanding, both verbal and written communications are essential. At SUFFIX, we emphasize both forms of communication, with a special focus on typed text for ease of documentation.

Norms: These are the regular practices and rituals, such as morning stand-up meetings, weekly meetings, and the concept of remote work.

Beliefs: This is about the purpose of the company's work. For example, some tech companies focus on solving past and present business problems, while others might focus on current and future technology applications.

Symbols: This refers to various symbols communicated by the company, such as logos, fonts, color schemes, images, or even the persona of the team members, which can be more significant than just wearing uniforms.

Values: Different companies in the same industry might value different things. For example, in the tech industry, some might emphasize solving past and present problems, while others might focus on future applications.

Cognitive Elements: This involves using data and knowledge in work. Creating a knowledge base or sharing information to ensure everyone on the team has access to the same set of knowledge is essential.

 

When looking for a colleague, besides skills, understanding their attitude is crucial. But should we choose someone who fits the company culture or someone who can enhance it?

Culture Fit: If the company needs a team member to replace a missing part and believes their work style and attitude fit the company, then it’s better to find someone who can integrate well with the existing team.

Culture Add: If the company wants to expand into new businesses or try new approaches in the industry, choosing someone to complement and enhance the existing culture might be more appropriate.