Practices: Internal Practices and External Practices

Practices are the behaviors and actions of members of the organization.

Practices are located immediately outside of the Core Culture. They are not the elements of Core Culture; they are the behaviors that convert ideals to actions which keep the culture alive.

Practices are either Internal — within your organization — or External — with those outside the organization.

Internal Practices

Internal Practices are the inner workings of the organization that affect employee relationships, interactions and accomplishments. Because these Practices are closest to the Core Culture, the organization’s consistency in aligning them with the Core Culture will have a major impact on organizational success. Internal Practices include the organization’s structure, job titles, how work is organized and the systems for doing work; recruitment and selection; training and development; performance management; internal communications; and technology.

Internal Practices should be aligned with the Core Culture

External Practices

External Practices define how your organization interacts with outsiders - those who are not employees. External Practices include your customers; the products and services that you offer; and your suppliers, vendors and partners.

External Practices should be aligned with the Core Culture

Core Culture principles are meaningless if they are not infused in these work practices — Internal and External — and demonstrated by employees and leaders alike. When actions match principles, the consistency produces reinforcing behaviors that sustain those Core Culture principles.