Office culture is very similar to that of national culture in that it can be identified by managers and staff, and binds the organisation together. It will be fuelled by history, throwing up its own heroes and villains, and generating shared past experiences. Businesses will create their own jargon and rituals. It also provides predictability and stability for staff and management. Additionally, it can be emotionally charged in that people will hold on to it and fight to protect it when new managers and processes threaten the comfort factor it provides.
Business culture can also identify a product to customers.
The British Airways tail fin fiasco was a prime example of the customer identifying with culture. While The world s favourite airline flew the union flag Britain seemed to rule the skies if not the seas. Attempting to create a world culture by distinctive tail fin design could not be identified by anyone, much less the British. Ex-Conservative leader Mrs Thatcher covering up a the tail fin on a model plane with her hankie created a champion for the old style culture in the minds of many people. Her actions, as viewed on News at Ten , have entered BA s, if not the nation s, cultural myth.