The aspect of culture is an extremely important one in the world, in our organizations, and even in the Bible. Merriam-Webster defines culture as “the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time” (para. 1). Gayle, Tewarie, and White (2003) noted that “culture defines appropriate behaviour, bonding and motivating individuals while governing the way in which institutions process information, shaping their internal relations and even values” (p. 56). Between these two definitions, it is clear that culture applies broadly to nations, parts of countries, social groups, organizations, governments, pre-historical through modern civilizations, and companies. When an individual is a member of a culture, they think and act like that culture.
Throughout the Bible, examples of culture are easily seen. From the earliest accounts of Abraham to the latest accounts written by the Apostle John, each story and account implicitly relies on culture to effect meaning for the reader. In some cases, culture relates to ethnic codes such as Egyptian dislike for shepherds which led to the segregation of Joseph’s relatives to the Goshen region of Egypt. In other cases, such as in New Testament letters, culture is being established through direction of the writer. Paul was prolific in his writings that established early church practice and norms.
In Romans 12:2, Paul tells his readers not to conform to the culture around them but to let God establish a new culture in and through them. Those who follow Christ should be following a culture that God has established in them. That culture is established through relationships with other Christ-followers, direct relationship with God, and through reading and studying of God’s written word in the Bible.
Further, Paul is laying out a principle that can be applied beyond the Christian walk. Paul is saying that we can decide to shape culture. That principle is vital as the corporate setting is considered. Instead of letting culture happen to you, it can be developed through you as you make specific choices about how your culture will work. As an example, if you want to work for Dave Ramsey, you will not gossip. If you gossip and they learn of it, you get one warning with
Consider how culture impacts your life: in your country, your state, your city, your neighborhood, your social groups, your family, and your company. Are they positive cultures? If not, how can you shape them through your positive influence?
Gayle, D.J., Tewarie, B., & White, A.Q. (2003). Governance in the twenty-first century university: Approaches to effective leadership and strategic management. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report, 30(1), San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary. (n.d.). “culture.” Retrieved September 22, 2016 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture
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